Florida professor breaks record for time spent living underwater

Joseph Dituri, a US researcher, has broken the world record for the longest time spent living underwater without depressurization. He has surpassed 74 days at the bottom of a 30-foot-deep lagoon in Key Largo, Florida. Surprisingly, he plans to continue his underwater stay and aims to spend at least 100 days in Jules’ Undersea Lodge.

Dituri expressed that his curiosity for discovery has driven him to undertake this endeavor. His primary goal has been to inspire future generations, interview scientists studying underwater life, and gain insights into the functioning of the human body in extreme environments.

Previously, the record for the most days spent living underwater at ambient pressure was set by two professors in 2014 at the same Key Largo lodge. It is worth noting that unlike a submarine, the lodge does not employ technology to adjust for the increased underwater pressure.

Dr. Joseph Dituri, also known as Dr. Deep Sea, embarked on his underwater journey on March 1st at Jules’ Undersea Lodge, a room located at the bottom of a lagoon in the Florida Keys. The lodge is named after Jules Verne, the renowned author of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”

His project, called Project Neptune 100, focuses on studying the long-term effects of extreme pressure on the human body. As part of the study, researchers are closely monitoring the health of the 55-year-old professor from the University of South Florida and conducting various medical tests to understand the physiological and psychological impact of prolonged isolation and confinement.

Despite living in the underwater lodge, Dr. Dituri has not neglected his professorial responsibilities. He continues to teach his biomedical engineering classes online while being submerged in the lagoon. In order to stay active, he follows a daily routine that includes waking up at 5:00 AM for exercise. To sustain himself, he consumes protein-rich meals such as eggs and salmon, which he can heat using a microwave.

Although his time underwater has been groundbreaking, Dr. Dituri eagerly anticipates engaging in activities on the surface again. He expressed missing the sun the most during his underwater stay, as he mentioned in an interview with the Associated Press.

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