URI vessel Endeavor heads for Haiti

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The University of Rhode Island's research vessel left port on Wednesday afternoon to contribute to the relief effort in Haiti and to conduct scientific research.

Students and supporters were present at the URI Bay Campus during the departure of The Endeavor as its captain and crew set off for Haiti.  The voyage is one of scientific and humanitarian value.  Onboard will be staff members from Plan USA , a Warwick based childrens' charity.

Plan USA will be distributing dozens of large tents, which have been collected by the charity, for use as classroom shelters and safe zones for children in the area.

Once off the coast of Port-Au-Prince the crew of the Endeavor will conduct a 14-day geological survey of the ocean floor.  Their goal will be to collect data about the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti just last month.