Living underwater has long been a fascination for scientists and explorers.
While humans have built underwater research stations and habitats, extended stays beneath the surface remain rare.
The ocean covers most of the planet, yet it remains one of the least explored environments.
Experiments in underwater living could provide insight into future possibilities for deep-sea exploration, marine research, and even long-term habitation.
Surpassed American Record
Rudiger Koch, a German aerospace engineer, has set a world record by living underwater for 120 days.
He spent this time inside a submerged capsule located 11 meters below the surface off the coast of Panama.
His stay surpassed the previous record of 100 days set by American Joseph Dituri.
Koch left his 30-square-meter underwater home on Friday, where he was greeted by Guinness World Records representative Susana Reyes.
Speaking after emerging from the capsule, he described the experience as extraordinary and admitted to feeling some regret that it had come to an end.
His capsule was equipped with modern essentials, including a bed, toilet, television, computer, and even a stationary bike, according to Digi24.
A tube connected the capsule to a surface chamber, allowing for food deliveries and medical check-ups.
Electricity was provided by solar panels, with a backup generator in place. One major limitation was the absence of a shower.
Koch's time underwater was closely monitored by cameras and independent witnesses to confirm that he never surfaced. Four cameras recorded his daily activities, and his mental and physical health was tracked throughout the experiment.
He hopes his project will change how people think about human habitation and the potential for living underwater. He believes the ocean could become a viable environment for human expansion.
To celebrate his record, Koch raised a glass of champagne before jumping into the Caribbean Sea, where a boat picked him up and took him to shore for a celebration.
Koch, a fan of Jules Verne’s novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, kept a copy of the book beside his bed throughout the experiment.
