MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard to test new search and rescue technology off the Gold Star Bridge, Connecticut

News Release

May 01, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Northeast Contact: 1st District Public Affairs Office: (617) 223-8515 After Hours: (617) 717-9609

MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard to test new search and rescue technology off the Gold Star Bridge, Connecticut

Editors' Note: Click on images to download high-resolution version.

BOSTON – The Coast Guard Research and Development Center is slated to test a prototype maritime object tracking technology by dropping it from the Gold Star Bridge into the Thames River in New London, Connecticut.

WHO: Coast Guard Research and Development Center

WHEN: Tuesday, May 2 at 7:30 a.m. for the mandatory safety brief. The demonstration will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the Gold Star Bridge

WHERE: Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) located at 1 Chelsea Street #2, New London, CT 06320

The maritime object tracking technology (MOTT) is designed to float and electronically mark various maritime objects of interest. When deployed, the MOTT prototypes will transmit a GPS location to the Coast Guard crews, enabling a shorter search and rapid relocation of the marked items.

The RDC researchers will test the resiliency of the prototypes by dropping it from the Gold Star Bridge into the Thames River. They will retrieve the prototypes to determine how well the body and electronics handle an approximate 200-foot drop into the river.

The Gold Star Bridge and Coast Guard small boats will be available to the media as viewing points.

Media is required to attend the safety meeting at the RDC prior to the event.

Due to the test area and boat capacity, members of the media who wish to attend must RSVP with the RDC public affairs officer by 2 p.m. Monday to Lt. Joe DiRenzo at 860-271-2894 or Joseph.DiRenzo@uscg.mil.

-USCG-