Built as a steel hulled supply vessel by Bosarge Marine Inc., Baou La Batre, Alabama, USA, for ?
Launched under the name AUNT BEA.
Tonnage 304 grt, 91 net, dim. 35.05 x 8.53 x 2.59m. (draught).
Powered by two 16-cyl GM oil engines 1.001 bhp, speed 9.5 knots.
Crew ?.
1982 completed.
.
Used first as a supply vessel for the oil industry, before she in 1986 was bought by the
Bermuda Biological Station for Research INC. (BBSR), St George, Bermuda..
According Watercraft Philately she carried also the name WEATHERBIRD before she was renamed R/V WEATHERBIRD II.
Converted in an ocean going research vessel.
Crew 4 Officers, 10 crew and 12 scientists
Range 4.500 sea miles.
Used by the BBSR for short and extended ocean cruises.
She is well equipped with all the necessary navigational, laboratory and mechanical facilities that support biological, geological, chemical and physical oceanography.
Setting and recovering current meters, chemical sampling, diving, biological trawling and gear testing are among the number of operations within the vessel’s capabilities. The ship’s Master and crew have extensive experience in research vessel operations and are noted for their high degree of professionalism, cooperation and efficiency in carrying out oceanographic projects.
Ready access to deep ocean males the WEATHERBIRD II ideal for both short and extended cruises, for repetitive sampling and time-series measurements at the same station and for all projects required analytical and other sophisticated ship and shore facilities.
As a general purpose oceanographic research vessel WEATHERBIRD II is capable of performing CTD and hydro graphic cast to 700 meters. The ship is equipped with a chemistry lab, radiation lab, electronics lab and a Sea Bird CTD system lab.
A stern frame and six on-deck winches are designed to deploy mooring arrays, launch benthic landers, sound sources, etc.
1993 She underwent an extensive over-haul and conversion.
One of her recent improvements is the fitting of a hydraulic crane with a 48-foot outreach capability.
2006 She was on the sale list, asking price $1.5 million.
2007 Is given that she is operated by Planktos Inc. California for a two year mission to spread tons of iron dust on the Pacific Ocean in hopes of stimulating plankton growth.
According some web-sites she is bought by Planktos in March 2007, and the intention is that she will be renamed RV PLANKTOS I
Nov. 2006 as given by http://www.equasis.org owned by Bermuda Biological Station, St George, Bermuda.
IMO No. 8952156. Under USA flag.
On Bermuda 2003 35c sg?, scott 857.
Source: Mostly copied from Watercraft Philately Vol. 49/83 and some other web-si