Category: News and Notes

Inhaca Sub Diving Services in Mozambique has launched Smart Hull Sight (SHS), an AI-driven platform to digitize 3D photogrammetry, corrosion detection and CII analytics for underwater hull inspections.

The system is designed to automatically detect corrosion, estimate anode life and create 3D digital visualizations for survey and inspection reports.

Full article at: Marine Technology News 31oct25

When iceberg A-84 broke away from the George VI Ice Shelf, it left exposed a wide area of unexplored seabed. Schidt Ocean Institute’s ROV SuBastian surveyed the area and found at least 30 new species, including a carnivorous, “death ball” sponge.

This species is named for its spherical form (go to link below for photo), and, unusually, uses tiny hooks to trap prey. Perfectly creepy to share today for a Halloween post!

Full article at: Discover Magazine 31oct25

You just never know what you are going to find beneath the waves, which scientists at NOAA discovered in April this year.

The USS Yorktown was lost in WWII’s Battle of Midway in 1942. The vessel sustained multiple bomb and torpedo hits in early June 1942, but, after taking on a heavy list, she did not sink. A salvage crew returned to try and right her for a tow back to Pearl Harbor, but a Japanese submarine attacked on June 6, damaging her further, and Yorktown slipped below the surface the next morning.

Interestingly, on a detailed survey of the wreck in April 2025, NOAA’s ROV crew spotted a car on the forward starboard side of the Yorktown, with curved fenders, a mostly shredded soft-top, and spare tire. The best guess is that the car is a 1940-41 Ford Super Deluxe Woody.

Full article and photos at: The Maritime Executive 21apr25

Using an ROV to dam inspections can be a safe and efficient solution to minimize power station downtime.

Full article at: The Press NZ 21apr25

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