When first spotted floating in the Pacific Ocean waters off the Central Coast, the observer thought it might be a torpedo. That’s what the call was about Jan. 10th to the Lincoln City PD. However, upon further inspection, and a harrowing grab by volunteer firefighters on a stormy, windy, wet day, the yellow tube with a fin turned out to be a marine research drone that had broken free from its ocean moorage and buoy during a recent strong winter storm. It is one of a fleet of about a dozen operated off the Coast that records oceanographic data. Valued at $250,000, researchers were glad to get it back. However, it was actually one-of-two that broke free. Anyone who comes upon the second lost drone is asked to call the phone number imprinted on the device.
