Cruise Update – SKQ202511S (May 29-30)

The final two days of Cruise #SKQ202511S wrapped up with successful recoveries and smooth operations.

On May 29, the team conducted a 4,100m CTD cast and acoustic data download at site FLMA-11. All instruments were operational. This was followed by the final OOI mooring recovery at the same site, completed without issue. While transiting to the next location, the crew off-spooled the TSE winch and conducted a visual check on the UW Waverider 2024 buoy—which had stopped transmitting in February—and were pleased to find it still on station.

On May 30, the team recovered UW Waverider 2024 after sending the release at 0800. All gear was onboard by 1300. After a short transit to the NOAA PMEL 2024 site, a 500m CTD cast was completed, followed by the successful recovery of the surface buoy and full mooring by 1715.

Excellent coordination between the science team, crew, and bridge ensured a safe and efficient end to the cruise.