LA SALLE, Mich. — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has claimed ownership of the previously unknown watercraft found lodged beneath a boat in a Monroe County harbor Monday morning, prompting a response from multiple agencies while authorities worked to remove it from the water.
According to a statement from an NOAA spokesperson, the craft was a remotely-piloted, semi-autonomous uncrewed surface SeaTrac vessel that researchers use in collecting data. The spokesperson said researchers had intended to guide the machine toward shore to collect water samples and monitor Lake Erie for harmful algal blooms Sunday monring.
Researchers positioned the craft Saturday evening in order to conduct the research. Between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Satuday, the SeaTrac craft was struck by a privately-owned recreational boat.
NOAA said no injuries had been reported in relation to the indicent.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the incident, NOAA said.
Multiple agencies responded to a Monroe County marina Monday morning after a watercraft was found overturned with what authorities initially described as unidentified surveillance equipment on board.
Authorities from the Monroe Township Fire Department told WTOL 11 around 11 a.m. that crews were called out to the Toledo Beach Marina in LaSalle Township Monday morning regarding the craft.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the LaSalle Fire Department, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and border patrol were at the scene.
The craft was still in the water, wedged beneath a boat shortly before noon. Authorities were working to bring the craft onto the dock. As it was raised, part of the craft's end was visible, which had the words "uncrewed surface vehicle" written on it.
Lithium batteries were also on the craft, officials said.
By 1 p.m., the craft had been removed from the water. It appears to have SeaTrac branding on it, based on the writing on the side of the vessel.
This is a developing story. Stay with WTOL 11 on air, online and on our free mobile app for the latest updates.
Photos captured by WTOL 11 Photojournalist Cheyenna Kastura of the craft's discovery and removal from the water are included below:
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