French Navy discovers deepest wreck in French territorial waters using AUV and ROV

In March 2025, French Navy’s Expert Centre for Human Diving and Underwater Intervention (CEPHIMSER) located a wreck at a depth of ~2,500m (8,421ft) using a combination of AUV and ROV.

The wreck has since been names Camarat 4 because of its location to Cap Camarat on the French Riveria. It is likely a 16th century merchant ship carrying ceramics and other cargo.

Full article and photos at Earth.com 22aug25

Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance was located by wired AUV in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica

After losing their first AUV, the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust (FMHT) launched a second quest for Shackleton’s Endurance using a “wired” AUV. The vehicle was tethered to their research vessel, equipped with sidescan and multibeam sonars, as well as laser scanning and a 3D photogrammetry system.

The Endurance sank on 21 November 1915, after being trapped in thick sea ice in January 1915 and gradually crushed by shifting sea ice. Shackleton and his crew survived an epic 1,300km voyage trek across the ice in small wooden lifeboats.

Endurance was found at a depth of 3,000m (10,000ft) in March 2022

Full article with photos and video at: Hydro International 20mar25 and BBC.com 09mar2022

AUV monitor artificial reefs

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are being used to monitor and provide data on offshore artificial reefs that are intended to attract marine life in otherwise barren sections of the Mediterranean Sea off Cyprus.

The AUVs are equipped with sensors and high-definition cameras to give scientists at the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute a clear picture on the effectiveness of the artificial reefs they designed and built using 3D printing.

Full article at: MSN.com