UW-Madison PhD student searching for missing research boat

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Ph.D. student from UW-Madison said she lost important research, and she could use your help in finding it.

Chelsea Volpano said she lost her research boat in the waters of Lake Michigan Monday, Oct. 30.

"I refer to it as a 'he,' cause it's just a little guy," said third year Ph.D. student Chelsea Volpano.

Volpano said on Monday she was using her small remote control boat to gather the last of her data on coastal erosion.

'We do repeat surveys, so we can see kind of how the sand is moving around on the bottom, how the beach is changing offshore," said Volpano.

While in the middle of her research, near Grafton, her boat stopped working.

The heavy winds that day pushed the boat far into Lake Michigan.

"It was definitely like a stomach drop kind of moment," said Volpano.

The boat collects and stores data for Volpano's research.

The scientist said Monday was an important day.

"This was kind of the make it or break it data set."

Volpano went on to say her department has used this remote control technology for the past three years; she says mistakes are a part of the scientific journey.

"There's always a chance, when you're dealing with remote control equipment like boats or drones, that you'll have a little bit of a mishap, and you kind of have to build that into the scientific budget," said Volpano.

Despite the rogue boat, Volpano remains hopeful for a reunion.

"I'm hoping that the boat comes back and ends up on shore somewhere, but I'm also pretty optimistic that I have enough data that I can at least continue on with my project," said Volpano.

Volpano continued and said the boat with all its equipment is estimated to cost close to $10,000.

There is a number on the inside of the boat, if you find it to contact UW-Madison.