German Engineer Breaks Record with 120-Day Underwater Stay

German Engineer Breaks Record with 120-Day Underwater Stay

German aerospace engineer Rudiger Koch has made history by spending 120 days submerged beneath the ocean’s surface. The 59-year-old emerged from his 30-square-meter underwater home, where Guinness World Records adjudicator Susana Reyes confirmed he had surpassed the previous 100-day record held by American Joseph Dituri.

Living Under the Sea

Koch, a co-founder of Ocean Builders, spent four months in an underwater pod designed by his company, which is based in Panama City. Ocean Builders is known for creating solar-powered SeaPods that float 3 meters above the ocean while also supporting additional underwater pods. Koch’s temporary home was located roughly 15 minutes by boat from northern Panama’s coast.

The capsule, equipped with essentials like a bed, toilet, TV, computer, internet, and an exercise bike, was connected to a surface chamber via a tube and spiral staircase. This setup allowed for food deliveries and occasional visits, including from medical staff. However, there was no shower on board.

During his stay, Koch captured over 1,000 hours of marine life footage through the porthole and described his time underwater as an incredible adventure. “It is impossible to describe; you have to experience it yourself,” he said.

Memorable Moments Below the Waves

One of Koch’s most cherished experiences was witnessing the glowing sea at night. He also kept a copy of Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea on his bedside table, drawing inspiration from the fictional Captain Nemo. Four cameras monitored his activities to verify he never surfaced, and the footage served as evidence for Guinness World Records.

Adjudicator Reyes emphasized the meticulous process required to confirm the record. “We needed witnesses monitoring 24/7 for more than 120 days. It’s undoubtedly one of the most extravagant records, requiring extensive verification,” she explained.

A Mission to Redefine Human Potential

Koch celebrated his accomplishment by sipping champagne and smoking a cigar before diving into the Caribbean Sea for a final swim. Reflecting on the mission, he expressed his hopes that it would reshape perspectives on human life in extreme environments. “What we are trying to do here is prove that the seas are actually a viable environment for human expansion,” he said.

Solar panels on the surface provided electricity throughout the mission, with a backup generator available for emergencies. Midway through his journey, Koch shared his aspirations for the underwater mission to inspire future possibilities of permanent human settlements beneath the ocean.