Photos: DEEPSEA CHALLENGER Launch
James Cameron and Don Walsh Talk Before Launch
Photograph by Mark Thiessen/National Geographic
Filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence James Cameron has a final conversation with ocean explorer and U.S. Navy Capt. Don Walsh (far right) just before the hatch on the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER submersible is closed and the voyage to the deepest part of the ocean begins. Walsh went to the bottom of the Mariana Trench 52 years ago in the bathyscaphe Trieste, with Jacques Piccard. Cameron is the first to dive solo.
James Cameron Slides Into the Pilot Sphere
Cameron slides into the pilot sphere of the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER as he prepares to make his record solo dive.
The DEEPSEA CHALLENGER Is Lowered Into the Pacific Ocean
Photograph by Mark Thiessen/National Geographic
The DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, carrying Cameron, is hoisted into the Pacific Ocean on its way to the Challenger Deep, the deepest part of the Mariana Trench.
James Cameron Emerges After Dive
Photo by Mark Thiessen/National Geographic
Cameron emerges from the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER after his successful solo dive to the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean.
James Cameron Gives Two Thumbs Up After Successful Dive
Cameron gives two thumbs up as he emerges from the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER after his successful solo dive to the Challenger Deep.
James Cameron Holds the National Geographic Society Flag
Cameron holds the National Geographic Society flag after successfully completing the first ever solo dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. The dive was part of DEEPSEA CHALLENGE, a joint scientific expedition by Cameron, the National Geographic Society, and Rolex to conduct deep-ocean research.
Don Walsh Congratulates James Cameron
Don Walsh (right) congratulates Cameron after the latter’s successful dive to 35,756 feet (10,898 meters) in the Challenger Deep.
