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Search Continues for Downed Drone Near Cherry Point

The unmanned drone plummeted in the Neuse river yesterday afternoon during a routine training exercise. Cherry Point officials do not yet know what caused the drone to crash. First Lieutenant Maida Kalic says the Cherry Point Fire Department has been conducting searches alongside the Township Nine Fire Department.

“It was suspended last evening due to the darkness and things of that nature and severe weather conditions but it resumed early this morning. The searchers are actually using boats equipped with side-scan sonar, which is designed to give them a very good image of the objects under the water.”

The drone, an RQ-7B Shadow, has a length of 11 feet and a wingspan of 14 feet. It carries no weaponry and weighs less than 400 pounds. If you witnessed the mishap or have seen wreckage, you can contact the Cherry Point Fire Dispatch Center at 222-466-7570.

Jared Brumbaugh is the Assistant General Manager for Public Radio East. An Eastern North Carolina native, Jared began his professional public radio career at Public Radio East while he was a student at Craven Community College earning his degree in Electronics Engineering Technology. During his 15+ years at Public Radio East, he has served as an award-winning journalist, producer, and on-air host. When not at the station, Jared enjoys hiking, traveling, and honing his culinary skills.