Richard Branson does it again! Always one for pushing limits and venturing to unexplored territory – the mogul is set to break up to 30 Guinness World Records with his latest adventure. On Tuesday Branson, explorer Chris Welsh and Virgin Oceanic revealed their plans to take a solo piloted submarine (designed by Grahame Hawkes) to the deepest depths of the World’s 5 oceans – a first for mankind. 5 dives are scheduled over the next 2 years and Branson’s first descent will take place later this year to the Mariana Trench (10 972m) in the Pacific Ocean.
The Virgin Oceanic adventure also aims to aid science as Branson is working with several ocean research groups. According to www.virgin.co.uk Branson says “by promoting and utilising new technology Virgin Oceanic will aid human kind’s ability to explore our Oceans, assist science in understanding our eco system and raise awareness of the challenges facing our Oceans.”
At nearly 5.5m long, the white and blue submarine is the first to be able to take a human to such great depths. The carbon fibre and titanium vessel can stay under water unaided for 24 hours. Guests of Branson’s private resort in the Caribbean can hire the billionaire’s 3-person submarine called the Necker Nymph, which was unveiled last year is available for $2 500 a day. You’ll only be able to go 30m deep but it may give you some idea of the magnitude of what Branson and Welsh will achieve in the next couple of months!
Visit Richard Branson’s blog and the official Oceanic site for more videos, facts and more info.
Images and video courtesy of Virgin Oceanic.
