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Dive Partner

In July 1994, the 105-meter (345-foot) research vessel Yokosuka carrying the Shinkai 6500 submersible, operated by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), visited WHOI after a joint expedition with WHOI scientists and R/V Knorr. One of only six deep-diving human-occupied vehicles in the world (including Alvin), Shinkai can reach 6,500 meters (4 miles) depth. After completing its current upgrade, Alvin will also be able to dive to 6,500 meters, putting 98 percent of Earth’s seafloor within reach. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)