Europa is on her way home after successfully surveying The Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Monument. As she exited the monument, she concluded with a cross through, and circle around, Middle Bank.
We expect to recover her in Puako sometime in the next 5-7 days, but the journey is not over yet. For this last leg, Europa has been faced with strong winds and high seas, as well as had to dodge a number of cargo and passenger vessels.
Today, a passenger vessel from the Bahamas, headed to Oahu, passed behind her. The vessel’s name was Europa, a good omen we hope!
The entire team from Jupiter, NOAA and the Navy anxiously await her recovery.
Stay tuned!
Europa passing through, and then circling, Middle Bank at the end of her PMNM journey.
A look at all of the marine traffic that Europa is avoiding on her way back home to Puako. Each of those yellow and red dots represent a cluster of vessel breadcrumbs.
Europa vessel that passed by our wave glider Europa earlier today.
Sunrise from Europa in some heavy seas.
Moonrise (supermoon) from Europa with waves crashing.