Weather
Crewless Vessel Captures Amazing Footage From Inside A Hurricane
The uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) that captured the video launched earlier this year from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — A 28-second video offers the first-ever glimpse inside a major hurricane as it churns up the Atlantic ocean. The footage was captured by an unmanned surface vessel, Saildrone Explorer SD 1045, as it sailed through the center of Hurricane Sam, a category 4 storm. The vessel can be seen bouncing about in 50-foot waves and 120 mph winds.
Five uncrewed surface vehicles were launched from the U.S. Virgin Islands earlier this summer. The vessels are made by Saildrone, Inc. and the data they collect is shared with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.
“Saildrone is going where no research vessel has ever ventured, sailing right into the eye of the hurricane, gathering data that will transform our understanding of these powerful storms,” said Richard Jenkins, Saildrone founder and CEO.
Find out what's happening in US Virgin Islandsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Using data collected by saildrones, we expect to improve forecast models that predict rapid intensification of hurricanes,” said Greg Foltz, a NOAA scientist. “Rapid intensification, when hurricane winds strengthen in a matter of hours, is a serious threat to coastal communities. New data from saildrones and other uncrewed systems that NOAA is using will help us better predict the forces that drive hurricanes and be able to warn communities earlier.”
Start your day with the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here. And follow Patch USVI on Facebook to get the latest, breaking news.