Thompson Sets Sail for VISIONS 13 Cruise

July 2, 2013

The gangway is taken up at the UW dock as the R/V Thompson prepares to set sail on the first leg of VISIONS '13. Photo by Nancy Penrose

Having just cast off from the UW dock, the R/V Thompson heads out on the first leg of VISIONS '13 Photo by Nancy Penrose

Entering the Ballard Locks Photo by Mike Mulvihill

A wave from Chief Scientist John Delaney, with Allison Fundis, as the Thompson passes through the Ballard Locks. Photo by Mike Mulvihill

Waiting at the Ballard Locks Photo by Mike Mulvihill

Perhaps there are future ocean scientists and engineers among those watching as the Thompson waits in the Ballard Locks. Photo by Mike Mulvihill

With the railroad bridge up, the Thompson leaves the Ballard Locks and heads for Puget Sound. Photo by Mike Mulvihill

Drums holding extension cables and a secondary node are loaded onto the fantail of the R/V Thompson in preparation for deployment. Photo by Skip Denny.

The R/V Thompson cast off from the UW dock at just past 9 am today, setting sail on Leg 1 of the VISIONS ’13 expedition and passing through the Ballard Locks. The Thompson is heading out to Axial Seamount, the largest volcano on the Juan de Fuca Ridge and should reach the work site at 2000h (8 pm) July 3rd, with the first dive to the seafloor starting as soon as we are on site. Onboard are the Canadian robotic vehicle ROPOS, with 9 members of its team, and over 20 scientists, engineers and students. (To view entire slideshow click on “View Slideshow” button on upper left hand side of this page.)