Sankei gave top coverage to a finding that the South Korean government is planning to conduct a maritime survey in the vicinity of the Liancourt Rocks by operating drones over the area. The Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency reportedly plans to mobilize remotely-controlled autonomous observation vehicles for several months to collect such data as underwater geographical features, water temperatures, and ocean currents around the contested outcrops. Speculating that the survey may be for the purpose of collecting relevant data for operating military vessels to protect the islets, the daily said the GOJ has already lodged a protest.