Who explored the deepest part of the ocean? This question has intrigued humanity for centuries, as the ocean’s depths remain one of the most mysterious and unexplored frontiers on Earth. The Mariana Trench, located in the western Pacific Ocean, holds the record for the deepest known point in the ocean, reaching an astonishing depth of 36,037 feet (10,994 meters). The first human to explore this enigmatic abyss was the late Jacques Piccard, a Belgian explorer, and his compatriot, Don Walsh, an American lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy.
Jacques Piccard, born on January 28, 1914, in Brussels, Belgium, was a marine scientist and explorer. He was the son of Professor Auguste Piccard, a pioneer in aeronautics and oceanography. Jacques followed in his father’s footsteps and became a renowned explorer himself. In 1960, at the age of 46, Piccard embarked on a historic mission to explore the Mariana Trench, which would become one of the most remarkable achievements in human history.
Don Walsh, born on November 24, 1922, in Des Moines, Iowa, served as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he pursued a career in oceanography and joined the U.S. Navy’s submarine service. Walsh’s expertise in submarine operations and his passion for ocean exploration made him an ideal candidate for the record-breaking dive.
The mission to explore the Mariana Trench was carried out in a unique submersible called the “Trieste.” Designed by Swiss engineer Auguste Piccard, the Trieste was a purpose-built, spherical submarine capable of withstanding the extreme pressure at the bottom of the trench. The Trieste was equipped with advanced technology to record data and document the dive.
On January 23, 1960, Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh embarked on their historic journey. After a grueling 90-minute descent, they reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench at 7:43 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time. The two explorers were in the submersible for 20 minutes, collecting samples and data before ascending back to the surface. The successful dive marked the first time humans had ever reached the deepest part of the ocean.
The exploration of the Mariana Trench has provided invaluable insights into the ocean’s depths and the unique life forms that inhabit this extreme environment. The dive has also inspired countless future explorers and researchers to delve deeper into the mysteries of the ocean. Although Jacques Piccard passed away on November 1, 2008, his legacy as the first human to explore the deepest part of the ocean continues to inspire awe and admiration. The remarkable achievements of Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh serve as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring fascination with the unknown.
