USF Professor Dr Deep Sea Sets World Record
USF Professor Dr Deep Sea sets world record. In a remarkable feat of endurance and exploration, university professor Joseph Dituri emerged from a 100-day stay underwater at Jules’ Undersea Lodge in the Florida Keys. Submerged 30 feet beneath the water’s surface, Dituri achieved a new world record for the longest period spent living underwater without depressurization.
Surpassing the previous record set by two Tennessee professors in 2014, who stayed for 73 days, two hours, and 34 minutes, Dituri’s underwater adventure was about pushing human limits and understanding extreme environments.
Nicknamed “Dr. Deep Sea,” Dituri is a retired U.S. Naval officer and a University of South Florida educator with a doctorate in biomedical engineering.
Acknowledging his accomplishment, Guinness World Records recognized Dituri as the record holder after his 74th day underwater, while the Marine Resources Development Foundation plans to seek certification for his 100-day milestone.
Project Neptune 100, organized by the foundation, aimed to investigate the effects of prolonged exposure to extreme pressure and isolation on the human body and mind. The findings will benefit both ocean researchers and future long-term space missions.
During his time underwater, Dituri conducted daily experiments to monitor how his body responded to increasing pressure. He also seized the opportunity to engage with nearly 5,000 students from 12 different countries, teaching a course for the University of South Florida and hosting over 60 visitors at the underwater habitat.
For USF Professor Dr Deep Sea, the most rewarding aspect of his endeavor was witnessing the students’ passion for preserving, protecting, and rejuvenating our marine environment. As Joseph Dituri emerged from the depths and raised his face to the sun for the first time since March 1, he left behind a legacy of breaking records and expanding our understanding of the underwater world. TBT
