Last Friday, 59-year-old aerospace engineer Rüdiger Koch emerged from his underwater habitat after living underwater for 120 days , breaking the Guinness record for the longest amount of time spent underwater without depressurization.
This was achieved off the coast of the Panamanian Caribbean, in the town of Puerto Lindo. Koch’s feat surpassed the previous record of 100 days set by the American Joseph Dituri , thus leaving an indelible mark on the history of underwater exploration.
What was Rüdiger Koch’s refuge like?
The space where Koch performed his feat, located at a depth of 11 meters, is a futuristic 30 m2 structure attached to a circular dwelling. Equipped with a bed, television, satellite internet and a stationary bicycle, the space was designed to provide the necessary conditions for a prolonged stay underwater . From its circular windows, Koch enjoyed the view of marine life while documenting his days.
Safety and monitoring were key aspects during this challenge. Four cameras constantly monitored his cabin, while a team of doctors and family members visited him regularly to ensure his well-being. Susana Reyes, official adjudicator of Guinness World Records, certified the record after rigorously verifying compliance with the rules.
An admirer of Jules Verne’s classic ” 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ,” Koch carried a copy of the novel with him to accompany his days at sea. In a statement to the media, he highlighted the beauty of the underwater environment , describing the experience as “impossible to explain without living it.”
Celebration and legacy of living underwater
At the conclusion of his challenge, Koch celebrated with champagne and a cigar before emerging from his capsule to be greeted by a boat that took him to dry land, where friends and family hosted a party in his honour. This achievement marks a breakthrough in the limits of human endurance and opens up new vistas for underwater exploration and understanding of life below water.
With his name now inscribed in the Guinness World Records , the German engineer has left a legacy of innovation and determination, inspiring future generations of explorers.
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Source and photos: rfi
