Sat Jan 25 01:19:37 UTC 2025: ## German Engineer Sets New World Record for Underwater Living
**Panama City, Panama** – German aerospace engineer Rudiger Koch has shattered the world record for the longest time spent living underwater without depressurization, spending an incredible 120 days in a submerged capsule off the coast of Panama. The feat, confirmed by a Guinness World Records adjudicator, surpasses the previous record of 100 days set by American Joseph Dituri.
Koch, 59, emerged from his 320-square-foot underwater habitat 11 meters below the surface to a celebratory champagne toast and cigar, before being picked up by boat and heading to a party on dry land. His capsule, equipped with a bed, toilet, TV, computer, internet access, and even an exercise bike, was situated 15 minutes from the Panamanian coast and connected to a surface chamber via a spiral staircase for resupply and visits from a doctor. Solar panels provided electricity, with a backup generator.
While expressing a sense of regret at the conclusion of his adventure, Koch described the experience as “beautiful,” highlighting the bioluminescence of the sea at night as a particular highlight. He aims to demonstrate the viability of underwater living, stating his hope that the project “changes the way we think about human life—and where we can settle, even permanently.”
The Guinness World Records adjudicator, Susana Reyes, emphasized the complexity and extravagance of verifying the record, citing the need for 24/7 monitoring and verification over the 120-day period. Four cameras constantly filmed Koch’s activities, documenting his daily life and mental health, ensuring he remained submerged for the entire duration. Koch, an admirer of Captain Nemo, even kept a copy of “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” in his underwater home.
First Piper 