Explorer begins 100-day stay at an underwater hotel in Florida
KEY LARGO, Florida. – On Wednesday, an underwater explorer dived to begin a 100-day mission in the Florida Keys, attempting to set a record for human underwater habitation at atmospheric pressure, teaching students and conducting medical and marine scientific research.
Retired US Navy Commander Joseph Dituri, 55, who holds a PhD in biomedical engineering and teaches hyperbaric medicine, plans to live and work until June 9 in Jules’ underwater cabin. The facility, located at a depth of 30 feet in the Key Largo lagoon, was originally built as a marine research laboratory and converted into an underwater hotel in 1986.
The previous record for a person to stay underwater at atmospheric pressure is 73 days, set in 2014 at Jules’ home by two University of Tennessee professors.
“It’s not so much about records,” Dituri said. “It’s more about encouraging the next generation of kids to come here to learn how to conserve, protect and rejuvenate the marine environment.”
Dithuri, a Tampa resident, plans to provide online hyperbaric medicine courses to high schools and colleges and invite about 40 young divers to spend 24 hours underwater with him to become certified aquanauts.
Leading marine scientists, including renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle, will join Dituri underwater for online lessons and streams.
During the Neptune 100 project, Dituri will be tested and analyzed to assess the effects of living in a closed, extreme environment.
Much research will focus on hyperbaric medicine, which delivers oxygen at elevated pressures to treat conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning and infections that dehydrate tissues. During Dituri’s 100-day stay underwater, his medical team will document the results of the treatment, including a potential increase in stem cell production.
Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed without permission.
Dallas Press News – Latest News:
Dallas Local News || Fort Worth Local News | Texas State News || Crime and Safety News || National news || Business News || Health News
