VideoRay Reveals ROV contribution to USCG Minot Light Memorial Research

Minot Light Memorial Research

GM1 Shipley drives underwater robot with wireless game controller		Driving the VideoRay from below deck of the Massachusetts Environment Police boat. On the right is the custom case created by GM1 Shipley.
GM1 Shipley with the VideoRay Submersible, in front of the replacement Minot lighthouse		VideoRay exploring theremains of the lighthouse
Images captured by the VideoRay robot of the remains of the lighthouse foundation		Images captured by the VideoRay robot of the remains of the lighthouse foundation
Images captured by the VideoRay robot of the remains of the lighthouse foundation		Images captured by the VideoRay robot of the remains of the lighthouse foundation
Minot Light lighthouse before it collapsed in 1851

In June, The US Coast Guard launched an expedition to investigate and preserve the wreckage of the Minot Light lighthouse in Cohasset, Massachusetts. The lighthouse was destroyed in a storm in April, 1851, a disaster which caused the deaths of two lightkeepers. The USCG team worked with the underwater archeologists from the University of Massachusetts, divers from the Massachusetts Environmental Police, and staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

While the divers worked within an established zone marked by buoys, thought to be the most likely location for the remains of the lighthouse, the actual remains were discovered by an operator of the Coast Guard’s VideoRay Pro 3 GTO Remotely Operated Vehicle on the third day of the search, a short distance outside of the search zone.

Gunner’s Mate Carl Shipley, the primary operator of Boston Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) VideoRay, discovered the iron legs as he glided along on the bottom at over 3 knots. Video of the discovery, which occurred on the third day of searching can be found on (link)

Scott Bentley , President of VideoRay, was very impressed with the Boston unit’s use and mastery of underwater technology. “These folks are very innovative – the use of our PC Pilot with wireless controllers, for example. This allows control of the submersible from the boat deck while the submersible control box is safely below – more efficient and effective results with fewer people. Also, their custom fabrication of a case for their laptops, and the ability to instantly transmit pictures of underwater discoveries via cellphone carriers is pretty unique. It’s a tribute to GM1 Shipley, his colleagues and command, that they can accomplish these cutting edge tasks.”

See the Video from the VideoRay

News Coverage:
CBS WBZ
Divers Search For Sunken Lighthouse Off Coast

boston.com
A beacon on the past - Expedition searches for sunken Cohasset lighthouse

Military.com
CG Team to Explore Sunken Lighthouse

About VideoRay
VideoRay now has far more Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in service around the world than any manufacturer, and is delivering additional ROVs at an increasing rate. Weighing just 8 pounds and starting at $5995 USD, VideoRays can be equipped with video cameras, sonar, positioning systems or other accessories, and are used for underwater surveys, offshore inspections, search and recovery, homeland defense, science, fish farming and a range of applications in underwater environments. See http://www.videoray.com for more information.