A German aerospace engineer has established a Guinness World Record for staying underwater for 120 days without depressurisation in a submersible capsule off the coast of Panama. Rudiger Koch, 59, emerged on Friday from his 30-square-meter underwater home in front of Guinness World Records adjudicator Susana Reyes.
Reyes confirmed that Koch’s performance broke the previous record set by American Joseph Dituri, who stayed 100 days in an underwater lodge in Florida. Koch regarded his trip as remarkable, stating, “It was an incredible adventure. There is a sense of regret now that it has ended. I really enjoyed my time here.”
Koch admired the underwater atmosphere, stating, “It’s beautiful when things calm down, and the glowing sea at night is indescribable.” After surfacing, he celebrated with champagne, a cigar, and a swim in the Caribbean Sea before returning to land for a party.
The capsule included modern amenities such as a bed, toilet, television, computer, and even an exercise bike. Visitors reached it by a spiral staircase in a tube that led to a surface chamber. Solar panels provided power, but there was no shower.
Cameras captured his daily life, ensuring he met the record’s tough conditions.
