Emergency Seaglider Recovery Needed in the Pacific — Can You Help?
A couple of weeks ago we received a request for help from Layla Airola, commodore of the Washington Yacht Club and student at the University of Washington. Layla is the chief business officer of the university’s Student Seaglider Center — a student-run lab within UW’s School of Oceanography. The center is looking for sailors who could help retrieve a seaglider in the Pacific, before it runs out of power.
“In November, we deployed a Seaglider in the equatorial Pacific to collect vital oceanographic data like temperature, salinity, oxygen, and chlorophyll,” Layla wrote. “We aimed to pilot the Seaglider to the shore [of] Hawai’i, but currents have been stronger than we anticipated and the glider will not be able to make it to Hawai’i before its batteries run out.”
The glider needs to be picked up in the next two months so they don’t lose it.
“We are not expecting a sailor to randomly come across it. Our best bet to recover it is if someone in the area is willing to pick it up and reaches out to us (at [email protected]),” Layla explained. “We are still in control of the glider, so we can coordinate with the crew, give them further instructions, and direct the glider to come to the surface at a specific time. When this happens, it will look like the attached image.”
Layla continued. “Each glider weighs ~120 lbs (55 kg) and at the surface, the orange antenna will be visible. The glider will keep sending GPS updates for the next three months, and live coordinates will be shared with any vessel able to assist. In the attached map, you can see information on its location and projected route.
“If anyone is interested in picking up the glider or would like more information about publication, please email [email protected]. We greatly appreciate your support.”
If you can help, please connect with Layla. Learn more about the seaglider here, and the Student Seaglider Center here.
I’ll be right to shout out round of drinks/dinner to the crew who gets it aboard.
I’ll be with ya in with the good spirit.
This remarkable rescue highlights both the risks and camaraderie of ocean sailing. The crew’s quick thinking and use of emergency protocols likely saved lives, while the coordinated response from nearby vessels and authorities underscores the importance of community at sea. Though the seaglider’s loss is unfortunate, the priority on human safety is commendable. The incident serves as a sobering reminder to carry proper safety gear and file float plans. Well-written and insightful—a must-read for any offshore sailor learning from real-world emergencies.