University professor emerges from 100-day underwater stay, setting a new record for human endurance
Dr. Joseph Dituri, known as "Dr. Deep Sea," has resurfaced after spending 100 days living underwater at Jules' Undersea Lodge in the Florida Keys.
This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record of 73 days set by two professors in 2014.
“Being above water for the first time in 100 days … I feel the warmth of the sun and I feel grateful,” he said.
As an avid diving explorer and medical researcher, Dr. Dituri aimed to push the boundaries of human tolerance for the underwater world and extreme environments.
During his extended stay submerged 22 feet beneath the surface, Dr. Dituri conducted various experiments and measurements to monitor his body's response to prolonged exposure to high pressure.
The project, named 'Project Neptune 100', was organized by the Marine Resources Development Foundation to enhance our understanding of how the human body and mind adapt in isolated and extreme conditions.
“It was never about the record. It was about drawing a line in the sand and moving that needle — extending human tolerance for the underwater world, extending human tolerance for an isolated, confined extreme environment,” Dituri added.
Apart from his scientific endeavors, Dr. Dituri engaged with thousands of students worldwide through online sessions and even taught a course for the University of South Florida.
Over 60 visitors also had the opportunity to witness his unique underwater habitat.
While the record has been recognized by Guinness World Records, the Marine Resources Development Foundation plans to request official certification for Dr. Dituri's exceptional 100-day achievement.
His findings from Project Neptune 100 are set to be presented at the upcoming World Extreme Medicine Conference in Scotland, providing valuable insights for ocean researchers and future long-term missions involving astronauts.
