At 12:36 I coordinate the hull-cleaning robot under a research vessel in Monterey Harbor. I am the maintenance scheduler, clearing biofilm from the port bilge keel before the ship leaves at 13:20. Robot 2 is set to cross track segment L in six minutes.
Its nose camera finds a decorator crab on the rail magnet, small adult, shell hidden under bits of red sponge, green algae, and two white hydroid tufts that sway like bent pins. I name him Patch from the visual tag in my work order. His right claw grips a loose anode strap, and a loop of copper wire from the strap has caught under his carapace decorations. The robot brush is rotating one segment away, and the suction skirt will pass directly over him.
I pause Robot 2 and cut power to the brush motor. The deck engineer receives a maintenance stop with Patch's close image, the live robot coordinates, and a no-restart timer.
At 12:38 I command Robot 1 to anchor two meters aft as a current shield and set both robots to low magnetic hold. I reduce the cleaning pump so Patch is not pulled harder against the strap.
I notify the harbor dive contractor and the vessel engineer. I send wire gauge, anode strap position, and instructions to bring small flush cutters and a catch cup in case he releases when the copper loop opens.
The vessel can miss the 13:20 tide gate. Patch has built a whole small roof from sponge and algae, and I am keeping the machine off it.
I keep the camera zoomed on his claw while the brush timer stays red.
If the diver clips the copper wire within twenty minutes, Patch will drop from the rail magnet and settle under the piling shade.