SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. -- The University of Rhode Island research boat Endeavor is traveling to the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday as part of the scientific response to the oil spill.
"Basically we're doing what's called a rapid response mission, similar to the mission we did to Haiti, which is supping up and getting ready very quickly," said Sam DeBow, Endeavor marine superintendent.
DeBow said he was called last Tuesday to get the ship ready to go.
Endeavor's mission is an important one. Scientists will look for oil plumes and measure them.
"It has instruments that it's going to be able to accurately measure the oil plume in the water column," DeBow said.
The research team will get help from a special passenger named "Sentry" from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
"Sentry" is an autonomous underwater vehicle, which can operate alone in deep water. The vehicle will take digital photos and water samples and look for any sign of oil in the seawater.
Debow said the information gathered could help scientists predict where the oil is headed.
"Try to forecast the amount that's perceived to be in the water column, and then hopefully be able to map its extent and the directions it's going," DeBow said.
Before the Endeavor arrives in the Gulf, it will make a stop in Florida to pick up the underwater vehicle and a team of scientists.
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