Search launched for missing rocket off the north of Scotland
The Leeds University Rocketry Association have issued an appeal
Last updated 18 hours ago
A hunt is ongoing for a missing rocket off the far north of Scotland.
Students from Leeds University Rocketry Association (LURA) say they broke a UK altitude record with their launch at Cape Wrath last Friday, but it didn't land in the sea where they expected.
They're now urging the public around nearby Durness and the Northern Isles to keep an eye out for it washing up along the coastline, as the attempt can't be officially logged without it.
Reward offered for rocket's safe return
The four-metre long orange device was successfully launched on June 19th from a military training range, but the students recovery boat lost track of the rocket.
LURA were trying to break a record of almost 50,000 ft.
The team posted on social media earlier this week, with the hope of trying to recover the rocket.
They said: "We're LURA (Leeds University Rocketry Association) and on 19th June we launched a high-powered rocket from Cape Wrath as part of an attempt to break the UK altitude record, overseen by UKRA (the UK Rocketry Association).
"The launch went brilliantly, but our recovery boat lost track of it, and we have no GPS signal.
"The rocket came down in the sea about five miles north of Durness and we believe it may have since washed ashore somewhere along the north coast.
"To officially claim the altitude record, we need the rocket back. Without it, our hard work can't be verified."
The rocket is described as orange, around four metres long and should have a parachute connected to it.
LURA are urging anyone with relevant information on finding the rocket to get in touch.
The post added: "We're offering a reward for its safe return.
"Even a tip-off about a possible location would be hugely helpful, please don't hesitate to reach out even if you're not sure."
Fourth year physics student and LURA team member Sebastian Bull is hopeful the rocket may turn up.
He said: "Unfortunately, our GPS tracking failed when it landed in the water so myself and one of my friends Manon were on a boat trying to find it.
"But it was like looking for a needle in a haystack without a GPS coordinate.
"It's difficult to know as it is a large area and only a small rocket.
"At the same time, there are lots of people moving throughout the area."