Remote-control sub dives to 3,000m

THE Marine Institute’s deepwater remotely operated vehicle Holland 1 which journeyed to the bottom of the ocean to record this remarkable discovery is a hi-tech submarine which can withstand depths of up to 3,000 metres.

It is equipped with the latest underwater camera equipment, including a HDTV camera and recording system, and a unique underwater lighting system being developed by the Irish company Cathx Ocean.

It carries a wide array of scientific equipment, including nutrient sensors, and titanium sampling syringes which can withstand toxic environments at extreme depths.