Sea Shepherd UK’s Rare Drone Stolen in Gloucestershire Break-In
Sea Shepherd UK’s prized amphibious drone ‘Kuiper’ has been snatched from a locked outbuilding on a private, gated Gloucestershire property. The theft happened late last week, just before the drone was due to film the charity’s Paddling for Freedom challenge along the coast.
What’s So Special About Kuiper?
Kuiper isn’t just any drone. It’s a rare yellow and black QuadH2O waterproof quadcopter, one of the few in the UK. Named in memory of a grey seal shot near Thurso, Scotland in 2015, Kuiper played a vital role in Sea Shepherd’s Seal Defence Campaign — locating illegal seal marksmen and inspecting salmon nets from above. The stolen drone was stored in a large black Peli-style case, packed with many crucial spare parts.
Why It’s Hard to Sell and How You Can Help
The drone bears Sea Shepherd’s logo and a distinctive ‘1’ decal in black. These markings are tough to remove after two years, making it tricky to sell unnoticed online. If you spot the drone on auction sites or drone forums, or have any info on its whereabouts, please act now.
Contact Sea Shepherd UK: 0300 111 0501
Help bring Kuiper home and support vital marine conservation efforts.
