North Sea workers are used to coming across unusual objects on the sea floor – but this latest find is a sign of the times.
This aerial drone, understood to belong to American operator Apache, was found some 100 metres below the surface at the Beryl field.
The image surfaced online and is thought to have been taken by an Apache staff member on the offshore support vessel Bibby Topaz.
The drone appears to be a Topcon Falcon 8 model Unmanned Aerial System.
According to the makers, the Falcon 8 is designed for inspection and monitoring, as well as survey and mapping applications.
According to the image the video was taken from a Lynx subsea remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
Apache has been approached for comment.