Once they identified NOC as the culprit, they caught it on tape.

BBC: Beluga whale 'makes human-like sounds'

The UAV space represents the wave of the future for combat systems, said Manan K. Shah, a managing partner at Focus Investment Banking, adding that many defense companies such as Boeing (NYSE:BA), Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) and Lockheed Martin could look for acquisitions in the sector.

FORBES: UAV Makers Attract M&A Interest Despite Defense Cuts

In contrast to Brazil, where most exploration activity is dominated by the NOC (National Oil Company) Petrobraz, deepwater spending in West African countries such as Angolia, Nigeria and Ghana is dominated by oil majors such as BP, Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Shell.

FORBES: Transocean Pipes To $85 On Brazil, Africa Deepwater Drilling

His concerns included "whether the Bas fleet will remain under the control of Bas and not be merged with the NOC fleet, and whether Bas will continue to be an integrated operation carrying out a substantial research programme as well a providing the presence in Antarctica, policy advice to government, and wide-ranging scientific collaboration".

BBC: Glacier, Antarctic (Image: BAS)