Ocean Tracking Network warns sea goers of rogue robot

There's something unusual in the waters of Halifax harbour.

An autonomous marine-research glider is adrift at sea near Eastern Passage and operators are hoping the public can help find it.

The two-metre long yellow oceanglider was supposed to report to its scheduled waypoint, about eight kilometres from Devil's Island in the harbour but failed to do so.

When this sort of situation arises, the glider is programmed to remain at the surface, as a result, glider operators from the Ocean Tracking Network are "warning sea-goers to be vigilant around this area to avoid damage to boats, marine gear, and the glider."

The glider is weighs 50 kilograms and looks like a small airplane. The device has black scientificinstruments strapped to the body.

Operators are asking that any sightings be reported to the Ocean Tracking Network at 902-229-3662.

"Anyone attempting to handle the glider should do so with care to avoid damage to onboard scientific instruments," said the news release.

The glider belongs to researchers at the University of British Columbia and was returning from a two-week test mission when both of the glider's mainand backup communication systems failed.