As part of finding a long term solution to the erosion of Visakhapatnam beach in the recent past, a team of researchers deployed underwater sensors to study different parameters of the sea on Monday.

The team led by oceanographic experts professor and director Gayatri Vidya Parishad Rao Tatavarthi and professor of earth sciences in University of Hyderabad A. C. Narayana along with professor in Indian Maritime University R.K. Patnaik installed different types of sensors on specially designed platforms. These platforms would be deployed at different depths at three locations within the surf zone of the Visakhapatnam beach, Prof. Tatavarti told The Hindu.

A specially designed catamaran carrying the first platform set sail from the Fishing Harbour on Monday morning. Professional fishermen accompanied the team of students and professors on the short voyage. Within an hour of setting sail the team deployed the platform at a depth of three metres some 150 metres away from Kursura Submarine Museum.

Even as the first team left the shores another team was getting ready to calibrate and programme the other set of sensors to be deployed 100 metres away from the first platform. The team deployed its three sensors on Monday.

The programme was taken up with the logistics support of the Visakhapatnam Port Trust, Prof Tatavarti explained.