Virgin Oceanic All Set to Explore Ocean Depths

Traversing untouched waters

Sir Richard Branson has readied his submarine for a 'one-of-its-kind' adventurous mission to the deepest ocean points. The adventurous mission that would proceed in two stages will be manned by Chris Welsh in the first dive down the Mariana Trench (10,910 metres), and Sir Richard Branson, himself in the second, down the Puerto Rico Trench (8,605 metres).

The Virgin Oceanic is an ambitious move by Sir Branson. The Virgin Oceanic will explore the Mariana Trench with Chris Welsh piloting it. The Mariana Trench, as we all know is the deepest oceanic trench. An exploration that deep sure has its challenges, and major ones at that. This experience has been possible because of the expertise Graham Hawkes, of Hawkes Ocesn Technologies fame in the superb design of this submarine.

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For one, it takes no rocket science to figure out the enormity of atmospheric pressure in that depth. No submarine ever has seemed capable of withstanding that pressure (1,000 atmospheres). Also, the temperature at that point of the ocean is a little above the freezing point. The Virgin Oceanic is not only highly efficient in this respect; it also adds an innovative touch. As mentioned before, this submarine will be manned by a human, and not a robot. This move may face a lot of ridicules from the masses, since in extreme conditions as such, sending a human is nothing short of suicidal. However, as they say the adventurous streak that a human can offer to this mission just cannot be duplicated by a robot.

The success of this mission will take mankind to the marvels that lie at the heart of the ocean.