Broads submarine drone trial proves successful

A submarine drone is being trialled on the Broads and could soon be used to monitor the 125-mile network of waterways.

The remotely-operated technology is a new tool for the Broads Authority to investigate wrecks and underwater infrastructure such as lock gates.

The authority said it could save money by avoiding the need to spend big sums on divers.

It has so far bought one drone costing £10,881, which has been paid for using a grant from National Parks England.

The drone – a Chasing M2 Pro Max – can dive to a depth of 200m (about 650ft) to gather footage.

The first trial was at Mutford Lock in Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft, Suffolk.

In a report for the authority's navigation committee, officers said that even with low visibility, they were able to survey the lock, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The report said: "This type of routine survey would normally require a team of divers with their associated costs.

"Through this initial trial, the drone saves both time and cost for this type of survey activity, as well as lowering risk for officers and/or contractors working near or in the water."

Drones could also be used to investigate sunken vessels, which are becoming a growing problem on the Broads.

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