It’s easy to take for granted the vastness of the oceans, seeing them as remote and untouched.
Yet, as Earth's surface becomes more crowded and environmental challenges intensify, some dreamers look to the seas not just for inspiration, but for solutions.
Could humanity one day find a new way of living beneath the waves?
Rüdiger Koch, a 59-year-old German aerospace engineer, is testing that very idea, according to El Economista.
For the past two months, he has been living 11 meters underwater off the coast of Panama in a 30-square-meter capsule.
His mission is ambitious: to set a world record and demonstrate that humans could sustainably inhabit the ocean depths.
Missing a Shower
Koch’s underwater home is more than a science experiment. It's fully equipped with essentials like a bed, a compact kitchen, a stationary bike, and even satellite internet.
The engineer has adapted to a simple routine, managing daily tasks, working remotely, and staying connected to the outside world.
One thing he’s missing? A shower, a fact he says he’ll remedy with a long, luxurious one the moment he resurfaces.
His capsule is linked to a floating house above, accessed via a spiral staircase. Koch spends his days surrounded by panoramic underwater views, inspired by Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
He describes the experience as serene and unlike the noise of urban life, with only the gentle hum of marine life around him.
The journey began in September, and Koch’s goal is to surpass the 100-day underwater record set in Florida.
For safety, his movements are monitored via cameras, and he receives regular supplies and medical checkups. Despite the isolation, he has visits from his children, which help break the monotony.
Koch acknowledges the challenges, including strong currents and technical hiccups. But his vision goes beyond records.
He hopes to show that the ocean can be a viable alternative for human living, offering peace and a deeper connection to the planet.
