Ocean Cleanup rig returning to port to address equipment issues, make repairs

Already grappling with how to retain plastic it has collected at the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a cleanup rig had another setback and will be returning sooner than expected.

During an inspection Dec. 29, crew members found that an end section of the cleanup’s U-shaped boom had detached, Ocean Cleanup founder Boyan Slat said on the nonprofit’s site.