Cleveland, OH – (WGHN) – The U.S. Coast Guard is turning to high-tech help on the Great Lakes this summer.
Autonomous, wind- and solar-powered sail drones will be deployed from May through October, expanding the Coast Guard’s ability to monitor the lakes in real time. The vessels are equipped with radar, cameras, and collision-avoidance technology, and are watched 24/7 by human operators who can step in if needed.
Officials say the drones will track vessel traffic, detect suspicious activity, and collect critical weather data to support emergency response.
The Coast Guard says the technology is designed to strengthen — not replace — crews already on the water, improving safety and awareness across the region.
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