CFCC’s research boat reaches Ireland

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — An unmanned research vessel launched by students at Cape Fear Community College has completed its trip across the pond.

According to a release from the college, the Marlin Spikin’ Miller was retrieved off the coast of Ireland by a father and son. The five-foot boat was launched in 2015 and is one of two deployed to monitor ocean and wind currents, the release said.

A CFCC spokeswoman said despite the 6,000 nautical mile journey, the boat only suffered minor damage. CFCC is now working with the family and the Marine Institute in Galway to have the boat relaunched from one of the Institute’s research vessels.