German Aerospace Engineer Rudiger Koch Stays Underwater For 120 Days (Screengrab) | X/Channel 8 English
A German aerospace engineer scripted history on Friday after setting the world record for staying underwater for the longest time. Fifty-nine-year-old Rudiger Koch stayed in a submerged capsule off the coast of Panama for 120 days, reported AFP.
Koch reportedly came out of his 30-square-metre capsule under the sea in the presence of Guinness World Records adjudicator Susana Reyes. Notably, the previous world record was held by American Joseph Dituri. He stayed underwater for 100 days.
Video of Koch Emerging From His Capsule:
It was a great adventure and now it’s over there’s almost a sense of regret actually. I enjoyed my time here very much,” Koch told AFP. The German aerospace engineer further told the global news agency that things look beautiful when they calm down in the darkness and start glowing.
“It is impossible to describe, you have to experience that yourself,” he further stated. Koch celebrated his achievement by toasting a champagne and smoking a cigar. He then lept into the Caribbean Sea. Koch was then taken to a dry land.
Koch’s celebrations:
Facilities inside Koch’s capsule:
Koch’s capsule has all the facilities including a bed, toilet, television, computer and internet, reported AFP, There was also an exercise bike inside the capsule. It was located around 15 minutes from the coast of northern Panama. The capsule was reportedly attached to another chamber which was placed above the waves by a tube containing a narrow spiral staircase. It provided a way of sending food and even for visitors, including doctors to meet Koch.
Meanwhile, electricity was provided by solar panels on the surface. There was also a backup generator but no facility for the shower.
