Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

DSV Limiting Factor

The DSV Limiting Factor, known as DSV Bakunawa since its sale in 2022, is a two-person (DSV) designed for full-ocean-depth exploration, capable of repeated dives to 11,000 meters (36,000 feet), making it the first commercially certified and insurable manned for unlimited depth operations. Built by in 2018 at a cost of approximately $37 million and originally owned by American explorer through Caladan Oceanic, the submersible was sold in 2022 to Inkfish, an company owned by . It features a 90-millimeter-thick alloy pressure hull machined to 99.933% spherical precision, with three acrylic viewports, a full science suite for sample collection, and redundant life-support systems providing up to 16 hours of endurance plus 96 hours of emergency support. Its compact dimensions—4.6 meters long, 1.9 meters wide, and 3.7 meters high—along with syntactic foam buoyancy and a maximum speed of 3 knots, enable precise navigation in extreme pressures exceeding 1,000 atmospheres. The Limiting Factor gained prominence during the Five Deeps Expedition (2018–2019), where Vescovo piloted it to the deepest points of all five oceans, setting multiple for crewed dives: 8,376 meters in the (Atlantic, December 2018), 7,434 meters in the South Sandwich Trench (Southern, February 2019), 7,192 meters in the Java Trench (Indian, April 2019), 10,934 meters in (Pacific, April 2019, later confirmed), and 5,551 meters in (Arctic, August 2019). These missions not only mapped uncharted seafloor but also collected biological samples and plastic debris, highlighting ocean pollution at extreme depths. Certified by DNV-GL to commercial safety standards, the includes advanced features like a robotic manipulator arm, dual-redundant communications (VHF, , and acoustic modems), and self-rescue capabilities, distinguishing it from prior experimental deep-diving vehicles. Since the expedition, it has supported scientific under its new ownership, including multiple additional dives to and 2025 buoyancy upgrades, advancing understanding of the while demonstrating the feasibility of reusable, high-reliability deep-sea technology.

Design and construction

Principal dimensions and structure

The DSV Limiting Factor (now DSV Bakunawa) is constructed around a spherical pressure hull made of titanium alloy, with a wall thickness of 90 mm and an inner diameter of 1.5 m, machined to 99.933% of true spherical form to withstand extreme hydrostatic pressures. The hull's weld-free design enhances structural integrity, allowing for repeated full-ocean-depth operations without fatigue from welding seams. The submersible's overall dimensions measure 4.6 m in length, 1.9 m in width, and 3.7 m in , with an in-air of 12.5 tonnes. buoyancy modules are integrated into the external frame, providing positive buoyancy at depth while compensating for the of the and equipment; this foam maintains the vehicle's streamlined shape under compression. Internally, the pressure hull is configured for two occupants seated side by side, with dedicated pilot and observer positions optimized for ergonomics during extended missions. Three ultra-wide-angle acrylic viewports provide forward visibility, enabling comprehensive observation of the underwater environment. The vehicle has been certified by DNV GL for operational dives to 11,000 m, following rigorous hydrostatic testing to a simulated depth of 14,000 m in specialized pressure chambers.

Operational limits and performance

The DSV Limiting Factor (now DSV ) is rated for operational dives to a maximum depth of 11,000 meters (36,000 feet), making it the first commercially certified manned capable of repeated excursions to full ocean depth. During its inaugural deep-water operations in 2019, it achieved a record-breaking crewed descent to 10,928 meters in the of the , surpassing previous benchmarks and confirming its structural integrity under extreme pressure. The submersible's endurance supports up to 16 hours of normal operations at depth, complemented by a 96-hour emergency to ensure pilot safety during extended missions or potential delays in recovery. This design allows for efficient surface intervals of approximately 16 hours for recharging and maintenance, enabling multiple consecutive dives without compromising operational tempo. In terms of mobility, cruises at 2–3 knots laterally and descends at up to 3.5 knots vertically, with its configuration optimized for precise control in confined deep-sea environments. Maneuverability is provided by ten thrusters arranged in two sets of five (three lateral and two vertical per set), facilitating movement essential for navigation and sampling at hadal depths. The sensor suite enhances and scientific capabilities, featuring four cameras and four wide-angle situational awareness cameras for imaging, paired with ten 20,000-lumen LED lights to illuminate the seafloor. Additional instruments include for mapping and two conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) probes for environmental profiling, enabling accurate data collection during dives to extreme pressures exceeding 1,000 atmospheres.

Propulsion, power, and buoyancy

The system of the DSV Limiting Factor (now DSV ) relies on bespoke lithium-polymer units, providing a total capacity of 65 kWh at 148 VDC, specifically engineered for reliability in full-ocean-depth operations. These pressure-compensated modules, numbering 12 separate packs, incorporate to safeguard against failures under extreme conditions equivalent to 1,100 , enabling safe even if primary is lost. The support up to 16 hours of normal operations and 96 hours of , with recharging performed on the dedicated support vessel between dives to facilitate repeated missions without prolonged surface intervals. Propulsion is achieved through 10 electric ducted thrusters powered by the bank, configured as two symmetrical sets of five—three lateral and two vertical on each side—for full 6-degree-of-freedom , including , , heave, roll, , and yaw. This vectored arrangement, with 4 main horizontal thrusters and 6 auxiliary units, allows precise maneuvering at depths up to 11,000 meters, achieving lateral speeds of 2–3 knots and vertical descent/ascent rates up to 3.5 knots while optimizing energy use for extended bottom time. The thrusters' design prioritizes efficiency and redundancy, drawing on the system's modular architecture to maintain functionality during prolonged deep-sea expeditions. Buoyancy control employs a variable ballast system that adjusts the submersible's trim and depth through integrated water pumps flooding approximately 2,100 liters across four 375-liter tanks and a 600-liter trunk for controlled descent. For ascent, 500 kg of steel ballast weights are electromagnetically released, complemented by 7.5 cubic meters of high-density syntactic foam (TG39/11,500 grade) that imparts inherent positive buoyancy, ensuring reliable emergency surfacing without power dependency. In 2025, the syntactic foam buoyancy modules were upgraded by Base Materials as part of modifications to DSV Bakunawa. This hybrid approach, avoiding reliance on compressed air for primary operations, enhances energy efficiency by minimizing power draw during vertical transits, supporting multiple full-depth dives in sequence with battery recharges handled surface-side. The initial engineering choices emphasized these redundant, low-maintenance mechanisms to cope with the compressive forces at 1,100 atm, where traditional systems might fail.

Manipulators, ergonomics, and life support

The DSV Limiting Factor (now DSV Bakunawa) is equipped with a single hydraulic manipulator arm mounted on the starboard side of its titanium pressure hull, designed by Kraft TeleRobotics as the Raptor model to enable precise interactions at full ocean depth. This arm supports sampling operations, including the deployment of push cores for sediment collection and a scoop for capturing surface-dwelling organisms and geological samples from the seafloor. Capable of functioning under pressures exceeding 1,000 bar, the manipulator ensures reliable tool handling without compromising the submersible's structural integrity, with emergency release mechanisms for rapid detachment if needed. Ergonomics within the Limiting Factor's 1.5-meter-diameter spherical cabin prioritize occupant comfort and operational efficiency for dives lasting 8 to 12 hours. The interior features leather-padded, adjustable seating configurations for the pilot and observer, allowing multiple positioning options to minimize physical strain during extended missions. Three ultra-wide-angle viewports provide a near-180-degree , with downward and forward sightlines enhanced by encircling high-definition cameras and 10 LED lights each rated at 20,000 lumens for optimal visibility. Pilot and observer interfaces consist of intuitive, color-coded controls that facilitate quick identification and operation, reducing and fatigue in high-stress deep-sea environments. Temperature and humidity are actively regulated to maintain a stable internal climate, further supporting human factors engineering aimed at sustained performance. The employs a closed-circuit configuration, utilizing oxygen cylinders and CO₂ to recycle air for two occupants. Standard operational endurance provides 16 hours of support, while the emergency system extends to 96 hours through redundant oxygen reserves and efficient scrubbing media. Thermal regulation is achieved via insulation on the 90 mm-thick Grade 23 titanium hull, preventing heat loss in frigid deep-water conditions. Safety features emphasize redundancy and rapid response, including multiple ascent methods such as non-electrical drop weights for emergency surfacing independent of power systems. The pressure hull's design inherently supports equalization during descent and ascent, with the entire submersible certified by DNV GL for unlimited dives to 11,000 meters following hydrostatic testing to 14,000 meters. These elements, combined with isolated compartments and quick-release fittings for manipulators and thrusters, mitigate risks of system failure and enhance occupant survivability.

Deployment and recovery

The DSV Limiting Factor (now DSV ) is launched from its support vessel using a hydraulic equipped with a system positioned over the transom. Initially operated from the DSSV , a 68-meter customized for deep-submergence missions, the is lowered into the water without its pilot to respect the 's weight limits during initial deployments. After the 2022 sale to , the support vessel was renamed RV and the submersible DSV , retaining the same configuration for compatibility. The has a capacity exceeding 12 tonnes, accommodating the submersible's approximate 12-tonne while allowing for safe transfer in moderate sea conditions. Recovery begins with a controlled ascent to the surface, where the employs GPS for initial positioning near the support vessel and ultra-short (USBL) acoustic systems for precise tracking relative to the ship. Acoustic beacons facilitate fine adjustments during the final approach, ensuring alignment for secure docking via the and , which lifts the back aboard. This process integrates seamlessly with vessel operations, including connection to an umbilical for power recharging and data offloading during surface intervals between dives. The design of the deployment system addresses key challenges in stability during transfer, particularly in rough seas, through the hydraulic luffing mechanism of the , which dynamically adjusts to vessel motion for safer handling. This capability supports repeated dive cycles, as demonstrated during expeditions requiring multiple full-ocean-depth immersions over short periods.

Ownership and naming

Commissioning and initial operations

The DSV Limiting Factor was commissioned in 2018 by explorer for $37 million through his marine research organization, Caladan Oceanic, marking the first privately funded submersible designed for repeated full-ocean-depth operations. The project originated from Vescovo's vision in 2015 to enable accessible exploration of the —the ocean's deepest regions below 6,000 meters—without reliance on government funding, emphasizing commercial viability and scientific advancement. Construction was undertaken by at their facility in , spanning from 2015 to 2018, with the submersible achieving operational status by late that year. The build process involved rigorous engineering to meet GL accreditation standards, culminating in the vessel's pressure testing to 14,000 meters to ensure safety for hadal dives. Initial sea trials occurred in August and September 2018 near , where the submersible reached depths of 4,950 meters in Abaco Canyon to validate systems and visibility. These were followed by certification dives, including the first operational manned descent on December 19, 2018, to 8,376 meters in the , confirming its full ocean depth capability under GL oversight. Early missions were supported from the Pressure Drop (formerly ), which served as the operational base for deployment and recovery. This phase laid the groundwork for subsequent expeditions, transitioning seamlessly into broader exploratory efforts.

Sale and renaming to DSV Bakunawa

In November 2022, the DSV Limiting Factor and its vessel DSSV were sold by Caladan Oceanic LLC, owned by explorer , to Inkfish Oceanographic Exploration for an undisclosed amount. Inkfish, a marine research organization founded and funded by American entrepreneur , acquired the assets to advance oceanographic exploration and scientific study. The handover encompassed the complete Hadal Exploration System, including the , vessel, and associated , ensuring continuity in deep-sea capabilities without interruption to certification or operational readiness. In 2023, under Inkfish ownership, the submersible was renamed DSV Bakunawa, drawing inspiration from the mythical serpent-dragon of Philippine folklore, a creature believed to swallow the moon and cause eclipses. Concurrently, the support vessel was redesignated DSSV Dagon. These name changes reflected Inkfish's emphasis on cultural and exploratory themes in its research endeavors. The sale facilitated a transition from privately funded adventure expeditions to institutionalized marine research, with Bakunawa retaining its DNV certification for unlimited full-ocean-depth operations. Under Inkfish, the submersible supported collaborative projects, such as partnerships with the University of Western Australia's Oceans for deep-sea studies, broadening access to its capabilities for global scientific teams. This shift enhanced opportunities for interdisciplinary research while preserving the vehicle's role in probing extreme ocean environments.

2025 upgrades and modifications

In March 2025, the DSV Bakunawa (formerly DSV Limiting Factor) underwent significant upgrades led by Base Materials in partnership with Inkfish, focusing on enhancing its buoyancy system for sustained full-ocean-depth operations. The core modification involved replacing the existing buoyancy modules with new Subtec 11500 syntactic foam units, a low-density, high-performance material composed of high-grade hollow glass microspheres embedded in a thermoset polymer matrix. These Subtec 11500 modules, with densities ranging from 400 to 650 kg/m³, were qualified for depths up to 11,500 meters and received type approval, ensuring compliance with rigorous standards for crush pressure, , and water absorption resistance. The upgrades improved efficiency by optimizing material performance at extreme pressures, reduced overall weight through lower-density foam, and enhanced compression resistance to support repeated dives beyond 11,000 meters, such as to at 10,925 meters. These enhancements, integrated while maintaining the submersible's original pressure hull design, aim to bolster its role in advancing deep-sea research and oceanic preservation efforts amid growing needs for .

Operational history

Five Deeps Expedition

The Five Deeps Expedition was a year-long mission led by explorer to achieve the first manned descents to the deepest point in each of the world's five oceans using the DSV Limiting Factor. The expedition began in 2018 and concluded on August 24, 2019, after traveling approximately 47,000 nautical miles and completing 39 dives in total. Vescovo piloted the submersible solo for each of the five landmark dives, marking the first time a single individual had reached the hadal zones of all oceans. The dives targeted the verified deepest locations: in the of the at 10,928 meters on April 28, 2019; the in the Atlantic Ocean at 8,376 meters on December 20, 2018; the South Sandwich Trench in the at 7,434 meters in February 2019; the Java Trench in the at 7,192 meters in April 2019; and in the at 5,550 meters on August 24, 2019. These missions not only set , including a then-record for the deepest manned dive (10,928 meters) and the first repeated full-ocean-depth human exploration, but also enabled the collection of biological samples, including three new species of , and high-resolution seafloor mapping using multibeam sonar. The submersible's pressure hull and full-ocean-depth rating were essential for safely achieving these depths. Significant challenges included coordinating logistics across remote oceanic regions, such as securing permits and support vessels like the RV Pressure Drop, while operating in harsh conditions from the equatorial Pacific to the Arctic. This expedition represented the first comprehensive manned survey of all ocean deeps, advancing oceanographic knowledge by documenting previously inaccessible hadal ecosystems and topographic features.

USS Johnston exploration

On March 31, 2021, the DSV Limiting Factor, piloted by Victor Vescovo, conducted a dive to the wreck of the USS Johnston (DD-557) at a depth of 6,456 meters in the Philippine Sea offshore Samar Island. This expedition marked the first manned submersible visit to the main wreck site, providing unprecedented high-definition imagery of the largely intact forward two-thirds of the hull, which rests upright on an undersea cliff. The dive was a follow-up to the Five Deeps Expedition, leveraging the submersible's unlimited depth capability to access areas beyond the reach of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) used in prior surveys. High-resolution multibeam sonar from the support vessel Pressure Drop guided the submersible to the site, where 4K cameras captured detailed visuals of key features, including intact 5-inch gun turrets at the bow, torpedo racks, and the hull number "557" etched on the superstructure, confirming the wreck's identity. The survey documented the destroyer's remarkable preservation despite its extreme depth—the deepest known shipwreck at the time— with no observed human remains, respecting its status as a war grave under the U.S. Sunken Military Craft Act. During the eight-hour dive, Vescovo narrated the exploration in real-time, likening the Johnston's stand to "the Alamo at sea" for its defiant charge against overwhelming Japanese forces. The USS Johnston, a , earned lasting renown for its heroic role in the on October 25, , during the larger . Commanded by Commander , who was posthumously awarded the , the ship and its task unit of escort carriers and destroyers engaged a superior Japanese fleet, inflicting significant damage before sinking after hours of intense combat; the crew received the Presidential Unit Citation for their actions. This exploration highlighted the wreck's historical value as a testament to naval bravery, with the intact bow gun symbolizing the ship's final defensive posture. The mission involved close collaboration with the U.S. 's (NHHC), which provided historical research and verification support; Vescovo shared all data, imagery, and notes with the NHHC at no cost to aid in official documentation and preservation efforts. Expedition partners included historian Parks Stephenson and the EYOS Expeditions team, ensuring rigorous scientific and archaeological protocols were followed.

French submarine Minerve search

In February 2020, the DSV Limiting Factor participated in a joint operation led by EYOS Expeditions and Caladan Oceanic, in cooperation with the and the Département des recherches archéologiques subaquatiques et sous-marines (DRASSM), to investigate the wreck of the French submarine Minerve (S647) in the off the coast of , . The Minerve, a Daphne-class diesel-electric submarine lost with all 52 crew members on January 27, 1968, during a training exercise, had its wreckage located in July 2019 after more than 50 years of uncertainty, approximately 45 km south of at a depth of about 2,300 meters. The 2020 mission marked the first manned dive to the site, providing high-resolution visual documentation to support the 's ongoing inquiry into the sinking's cause. Piloted by explorer Victor Vescovo, Limiting Factor conducted two dives on February 1 and 2, 2020, reaching a depth of 2,350 meters during the initial descent alongside retired French Rear Admiral Jean-Louis Barbier. The submersible's advanced imaging systems captured detailed footage of the wreck, which consists of three main sections—the forward compartment, the main hull amidships, and the aft section—scattered across a debris field spanning over 300 meters, suggesting structural failure possibly due to implosion from depth pressure or an external impact, though the exact cause remains under investigation. These findings, including identification of key components like the sail and periscope, were shared with French authorities to aid forensic analysis and refine hypotheses such as a collision with a submerged object or equipment malfunction during the vessel's transit. The relatively shallow depth for Limiting Factor—compared to its full-ocean capability—enabled multiple sorties within a compact timeline, with each dive lasting approximately eight hours and allowing for precise maneuvering around the site. The mission's outcomes extended beyond technical assessment, offering emotional closure to the families of the lost ; during the second dive, Vescovo and Hervé Fauve, son of the Minerve's , placed a on the wreck, accompanied by flowers released from the support vessel . This operation represented a pivotal step in the Minerve recovery effort, as the submersible's manipulators facilitated the plaque deployment without disturbing the site, contributing valuable data that has informed subsequent naval safety protocols and historical preservation. The dives underscored Limiting Factor's role in accessible deep-sea , bridging scientific inquiry with humanitarian remembrance for one of the French Navy's enduring mysteries.

USS Samuel B. Roberts exploration

In June 2022, the DSV Limiting Factor conducted a series of dives in the Philippine Sea as part of an expedition led by Caladan Oceanic and EYOS Expeditions, in collaboration with Deep Ocean Search and Hadal Subsea Engineering, to locate and survey World War II-era shipwrecks from the Battle off Samar. The mission, piloted by explorer Victor Vescovo alongside sonar specialist Jeremie Morizet, targeted the wreck of the destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413), which had been sunk on October 25, 1944, after sustaining heavy damage from Japanese naval forces during the battle. This effort marked one of the final operational missions for the submersible under Caladan Oceanic ownership before its subsequent sale. On June 22, 2022, Vescovo and Morizet reached the wreck site at a depth of 6,895 meters off Island, , using the submersible's advanced full-ocean-depth to perform detailed 3D mapping and imaging. The survey revealed the hull broken into two main sections approximately 10 meters apart on a steep slope, with severe structural damage consistent with historical accounts of the ship's fate, including crumpling from shell impacts and a large stern explosion that caused it to sink bow-first. Key identifying features, such as the intact triple torpedo launcher standing upright on the seafloor and remnants of the pilothouse and forward gun mount, allowed for positive confirmation of the wreck as the USS Samuel B. Roberts. The U.S. Navy, in coordination with archaeological firm SEARCH Inc., officially verified the discovery on June 25, 2022, designating the site a and honoring the 224 crew members lost. At 6,895 meters, the wreck surpassed the previous record set by the USS Johnston (discovered in 2019 at 6,469 meters) to become the deepest known , with the dive itself earning a for the deepest shipwreck exploration by a crewed . The findings provided new insights into the battle's intensity, underscoring the Samuel B. Roberts' legendary stand against superior Japanese forces despite its small size and armament.

Nova Canton Expedition

The Nova Canton Expedition, conducted from February to June 2024 by Inkfish Expeditions, utilized the DSV Bakunawa (formerly Limiting Factor) to explore the previously uncharted Nova-Canton Trough in the central , a fracture zone adjacent to the Clarion-Clipperton Zone known for its polymetallic nodule deposits. Aboard the research vessel RV Dagon, the mission focused on deep-sea environmental research, including high-resolution seafloor mapping, documentation across depths of 3,000 to 8,000 meters, and geological sampling to evaluate vulnerabilities in areas potentially affected by resource extraction activities. The expedition comprised four legs, enabling multiple submersible dives that collected biological specimens, samples, and bottom water data while employing remotely operated vehicles for targeted observations. A landmark achievement was the first all-female crewed dive to 8,000 meters on April 16, 2024, lasting nearly 10 hours and piloted by Kate Wawatai with marine geologist Heather Stewart, establishing a for the deepest such operation and highlighting gender diversity in . Key outcomes included the first comprehensive bathymetric mapping of the trough spanning 194,761 km² using multibeam echosounders, discoveries of rare deep-sea such as a filmed squid at just over 1,000 meters, and over 150 identified morphotaxa contributing to baseline data on abyssal . This post-sale mission underscored 's transition to scientific advocacy, with datasets openly shared via repositories to support global efforts in protection and informed policy on deep-sea impacts.

References

  1. [1]
    Triton 36000/2 - Full Ocean Depth
    Sep 26, 2023 · The defining feature of the Limiting Factor is the 90mm thick pressure hull. Having been machined to within 99.933% of true spherical form, it ...
  2. [2]
    FAQ - The Five Deeps Expedition
    Oct 8, 2018 · The DSV Limiting Factor is the first fully commercial accredited and insurable full ocean depth (FOD) manned submersible. The official ...
  3. [3]
    Victor Vescovo: Deepest dive by a crewed vessel
    Because his Limiting Factor submersible is designed for multiple trips and can accommodate two people, he has been able to pilot several others to the bottom of ...
  4. [4]
    Limiting Factor - The Five Deeps Expedition
    Jan 19, 2019 · The defining feature of the Limiting Factor is the 90mm thick pressure hull. Having been machined to within 99.933% of true spherical form, it ...Missing: dimensions structure
  5. [5]
    Dive to the ultimate abyss - DNV
    Dec 19, 2019 · Withstanding the enormous pressure in the depth. The heart of Limiting Factor is the titanium pressure hull, which is a weld-free construction ...Missing: dimensions | Show results with:dimensions
  6. [6]
    Hadal Manned Submersible | Triton Submarines
    Oct 15, 2019 · The deep-submergence vehicle (DSV) Limiting Fac- tor, designed and built by Triton Submarines for Caladan Oceanic, is one of the most uniquely ...
  7. [7]
    Limiting Factor: Inside the Record Breaking Triton-Built Submersible
    Oct 17, 2019 · The procedure saw the pressure hull of Limiting Factor lowered down into the pressure chamber and Ramsay recalls it “scraping down the sides”. ...Missing: dimensions structure
  8. [8]
    [PDF] Hadal Manned Submersible - Triton Submarines
    The deep-submergence vehicle (DSV) Limiting Fac- tor, designed and built by Triton Submarines for Caladan. Oceanic, is one of the most uniquely capable, piloted.
  9. [9]
    Lander Lab #5: Lithium Polymer Batteries - Marine Technology News
    Dec 28, 2022 · ... (DSV Limiting Factor) submersibles are powered by pressure compensated LiPo battery modules. ... capacity is reduced to ¾ of its original capacity ...
  10. [10]
    Technology | Five Deeps Expedition
    Oct 29, 2019 · As a tool for geographic exploration, the Limiting Factor is one of the most uniquely-capable, piloted vehicles in seafaring history. More ...Missing: ergonomics pilot interface
  11. [11]
    Inside Five Deeps' record-setting quest to reach the bottom of each ...
    Jul 7, 2021 · Weight limitations on Pressure Drop's crane meant the team had to lower Limiting Factor into the water without Vescovo inside. He traveled ...
  12. [12]
    Recovery of a Lost Subsea Asset at Full Ocean Depth in the Mariana ...
    Mar 5, 2023 · Described herein is an update of the recent series of full ocean depth dives in the DSV Limiting Factor and a collation of all significantly ...Missing: procedures | Show results with:procedures
  13. [13]
    Recovery of a Lost Subsea Asset at Full Ocean Depth in the Marian...: Ingenta Connect
    ### Summary of DSV Limiting Factor Deployment and Recovery Procedures
  14. [14]
    You Can Now Ride a Submarine to the Deepest Point on Earth
    Mar 27, 2020 · For $750,000 per person, Vescovo will take guests down 35,843 feet in Limiting Factor, his $37 million Triton 36,000/2 submarine, whose ...
  15. [15]
    PRESSURE DROP ENGINEERING SUPPORT
    The DSSV Pressure Drop serves as the support vessel for the Deep Submergence Vessel (DSV) Limiting Factor, the first manned submarine to reach the deepest ...
  16. [16]
    Winston Advises on Sale of World's Deepest Diving Operational ...
    Nov 21, 2022 · Inkfish, funded by American businessman Gabe Newell, is a marine research organization dedicated to exploring the ocean. Under the new ownership ...
  17. [17]
    Fleet - DSSV Pressure Drop sold to Inkfish - SuperyachtNews.com
    Nov 3, 2022 · The platform comprises the research ship DSSV Pressure Drop and ultra-deep diving submersible DSV Limiting Factor, to the marine research ...Missing: early | Show results with:early
  18. [18]
    Deepest diver Vescovo sells up to Inkfish - Divernet
    Nov 3, 2022 · The deal includes hardware in the shape of Vescovo's research ship Pressure Drop and his ultra-deep two-person submersible Limiting Factor, ...Missing: DSV | Show results with:DSV
  19. [19]
    Victor Vescovo's submarine | Guinness World Records
    The game-changing deep-submergence vehicle (DSV) Limiting Factor, which was the first sub to visit the oceans' deepest points.Missing: length | Show results with:length
  20. [20]
    Inkfish funding to boost Minderoo-UWA deep-sea research
    Mar 30, 2023 · Centre director Professor Alan Jamieson will lead the team using Inkfish submersible DSV Limiting Factor ... renamed Bakunawa and Dagon ...
  21. [21]
    BAKUNAWA: The Moon Eating Dragon of Philippine Mythology
    May 27, 2016 · During a lunar eclipse in the ancient Philippines, it was believed that a monstrous dragon was attempting to swallow the moon.Missing: DSV recovery
  22. [22]
    Deepest ever fish caught on camera off Japan - BBC
    Apr 1, 2023 · ... DSSV Pressure Drop. Bait was added to the frame ... FIVEDEEPS.COM. The DSSV Pressure Drop is now owned by Inkfish and has been renamed Dagon.
  23. [23]
    Maintaining DSV Bakunawa – Inkfish's Full Ocean Depth Submersible
    The DSV Bakunawa is one of only a handful of submersibles that are DNV certified for extensive and repeated dives at full ocean depth.Missing: Dagon specifications deployment
  24. [24]
    Base Materials To Supply Buoyancy Solutions To Inkfish Full Ocean ...
    The DSV Bakunawa (formerly known as DSV Limiting Factor), a two-man, 12-tonne vessel, was previously used for The Five Deeps Expedition, the first successful ...Missing: Dagon specifications deployment
  25. [25]
    Inkfish funding to boost Minderoo-WA deep-sea research
    Mar 30, 2023 · Centre director Professor Alan Jamieson will lead the team using Inkfish submersible DSV Limiting Factor ... renamed Bakunawa and Dagon ...
  26. [26]
    Subsea Buoyancy Solution for Full Ocean Depth Submersible
    Mar 17, 2025 · Base Materials will supply its buoyancy solutions for an upgrade of the full ocean depth submersible DSV Bakunawa (formerly DSV Limiting ...
  27. [27]
    Base Materials to Supply Buoyancy Solutions to DNV Certified Full ...
    Mar 4, 2025 · Base Materials will supply its buoyancy solutions to Inkfish, an organisation that supports marine research, as part of wider upgrade of their full ocean depth ...Missing: modifications | Show results with:modifications
  28. [28]
    https://base-materials.com/products/subtec-buoyancy/
  29. [29]
    The Five Deeps Expedition
    Jul 19, 2022 · MISSION COMPLETE​​ After travelling 47,000 miles and completing 39 dives, the Five Deeps Expedition has reached its successful conclusion: the ...Expedition · Expedition Map · Team · NewsroomMissing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  30. [30]
    Expedition
    ### Five Deeps Expedition Timeline
  31. [31]
    Victor Vescovo: Adventurer reaches deepest ocean locations - BBC
    Sep 9, 2019 · All Mr Vescovo's dives were made using the 12-tonne Deep Sea Vehicle (DSV) Limiting Factor, launched and recovered from a dedicated support ship ...Missing: capacity | Show results with:capacity
  32. [32]
    [PDF] Deepest Submarine Dive in History, Five Deeps Expedition Conquers
    May 13, 2019 · This makes the Limiting Factor the first full ocean depth-capable submersible to meet commercial safety standards and be granted commercial ...Missing: specifications | Show results with:specifications
  33. [33]
    Deepest Submarine Dive in History, Five Deeps Expedition ...
    May 13, 2019 · The expedition reached a maximum depth of 10,928 meters / 35,853 feet deep, 16 meters/52 feet deeper than any previous manned dive.Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  34. [34]
    Five Deeps Expedition completes mission to reach deepest ocean ...
    On August 24, Victor Vescovo and the Five Deeps team completed the final dive, to the Molloy Hole. Situated about 275km west of Norway's Svalbard archipelago, ...Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  35. [35]
    [PDF] Submersible crew completes the world's deepest shipwreck dive in ...
    Mar 31, 2021 · The submersible DSV Limiting Factor has no operating depth limitation, does not require a tether to the surface, and can hold two occupants ...Missing: frame winch deployment<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Wreckage confirmed as heroic USS Johnston (DD 557)
    - **Wreck Confirmation**: Wreckage confirmed as USS Johnston (DD-557), a Fletcher-class destroyer lost at the Battle off Samar, October 25, 1944.
  37. [37]
    USS Johnston: Sub dives to deepest-known shipwreck - BBC
    Apr 2, 2021 · The remains of the USS Johnston were first discovered in 2019 ... DSV Limiting Factor was deployed. US Navy USS Johnston (DD-557) off ...Missing: October 31
  38. [38]
    H-060-3 The Search for USS Johnston
    Apr 21, 2021 · Victor Vescovo approached me with a plan to dive on the “Johnston” wreck site in his deep submersible Limiting Factor, which, despite the name, ...
  39. [39]
    https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/world-war-ii/1944/samar.html
  40. [40]
    https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/j/johnston-i.html
  41. [41]
    Explorers Survey World's Deepest Known Shipwreck
    Apr 7, 2021 · The American destroyer U.S.S. Johnston sank on October 25, 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Sea.
  42. [42]
    EYOS Honors & Investigates Wreck of La Minerve in Historic Dive
    Feb 11, 2020 · The dives were undertaken by the DSV Limiting Factor, the world's only full ocean depth submersible. Limiting Factor completed the Five ...Missing: search | Show results with:search
  43. [43]
    La Minerve S647 Expedition - Caladan Oceanic
    Jan 29, 2021 · Two dives to the French submarine were completed across February 1 and 2. The first dive was manned by Expedition Founder Victor Vescovo and retired French ...Missing: hull collision
  44. [44]
    French Minerve submarine is found after disappearing in 1968 - BBC
    Jul 22, 2019 · Fifty-two sailors were on board the Minerve when it vanished near the port of Toulon, on the French south coast, in January 1968. Previous ...
  45. [45]
    EYOS Expeditions Successfully Dives on La Minerve Submarine ...
    Feb 10, 2020 · EYOS Expeditions and explorer Victor Vescovo have completed two successful dives on the wreck of the French submarine S647 La Minerve.Missing: 4 | Show results with:4
  46. [46]
    DOS involved in the finding of the French submarine La Minerve
    Oct 3, 2019 · DOS are pleased to confirm their involvement in the finding of the French submarine La Minerve, which was lost in off Toulon, France.Missing: Italian 2020 Limiting Factor
  47. [47]
    Caladan Oceanic & EYOS Discover USS Samuel B. Roberts
    Jun 24, 2022 · The USS Samuel B. Roberts, the deepest wreck ever found, was discovered at 6,895 meters. It fought heroically in the Battle off Samar, and is ...
  48. [48]
    CALADAN OCEANIC find the deepest wreck ever with support of ...
    Jun 25, 2022 · DOS are pleased to announce that their ultra-deep water sonar system has helped provide their client, Caladan Oceanic and Victor Vescovo with two world records.Missing: commissioning | Show results with:commissioning<|control11|><|separator|>
  49. [49]
    Deepest shipwreck dive by a crewed vessel - Guinness World Records
    The deepest shipwreck visited by a crewed submersible is the USS Samuel B. Roberts ("DE-413") located at 6,865 metres (22,523 feet) off Samar Island in the ...Missing: discovery | Show results with:discovery
  50. [50]
    Navy confirms wrecksite off Philippines coast that of USS Samuel B ...
    Jun 27, 2022 · Seventy-eight years after its loss during World War II, the US Navy confirmed June 25, 2022, the location of USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE 413).Missing: DSV discovery
  51. [51]
    Wrecks of WWII Ships Johnston, Samuel B Roberts Are Deepest yet ...
    Aug 18, 2022 · Roberts, seen from DSV Limiting Factor on a dive to 22,961 feet, June 22, 2022. Victor Vescovo/Caladan Oceanic. To find the wreck, Caladan ...
  52. [52]
    World's deepest shipwreck discovered in Philippines - DIVE Magazine
    The wreck was discovered on 22 June by Victor Vescovo, who surveyed the vessel from his submersible DSV Limiting Factor. Vescovo had previously ...
  53. [53]
    USS Samuel B Roberts: World's deepest shipwreck discovered - BBC
    Jun 24, 2022 · Explorers have found the deepest shipwreck ever identified, a US navy destroyer escort sunk during WWII.Missing: DSV propellers
  54. [54]
    Nova Canton Trough - Deep-Sea Research Centre
    The 2024 Nova Canton Trough Expedition is part of the Inkfish Open Ocean Program and took place on the research vessel Dagon. The expedition was split into ...Missing: DSV Limiting Factor
  55. [55]
    Rare deep-sea squid filmed at depth
    May 16, 2024 · The mission is to explore and document the biodiversity and geodiversity of the seafloor at depths between three and eight kilometres.Missing: objectives | Show results with:objectives
  56. [56]
    [PDF] Proceedings - Zenodo
    May 16, 2025 · DSV Bakunawa in the deepest section of the Nova Canton Trough (Central Pacific, -2.26°, -. 172.48°). Using a novel combination of fine-scale ...
  57. [57]
    Woman breaks world record in deepest dive by all-female-crew - BBC
    May 9, 2024 · Heather Stewart from Edinburgh inadvertently set a new world record by being part of the deepest dive ever to be carried out by an all-female- ...
  58. [58]
    Nova-Canton Trough - Record breaking sub dive! - YouTube
    Jun 13, 2024 · During leg 3 of the Nova-Canton Trough expedition, geologist Heather Stewart and submersible pilot Kate Wawatai dove to 8000 meters below ...Missing: 2024 DSV Bakunawa