Longest stay in an underwater habitat (Africa)

Longest stay in an underwater habitat (Africa)

Last updated: March 31, 2020 at 4:42 am

Conshelf II (Précontinent II) (France) | 1963 — Seven divers lived in Conshelf II colony off Sha’ab Rumi (Sudan) in the Red Sea for one month under the supervision of Jacques-Yves Cousteau. The colony consisted of four manned habitats including a hangar for the DS-2 Diving Saucer and a tool shed. Eight additional structures including shark cages completed the colony. The main habitat called Starfish House was located at 10 m (33 ft) while the smaller Deep Cabin (manned for one week) was located at 26 m (85 ft). Divers working from Deep Cabin dove to depths reaching 110 m (361 ft). Conshelf II is documented in the 1964 documentary film World Without Sun.

World Without Sun (1964)

Conshelf II Starfish crew quarters. Image by Martin Henke (Creative Commons)

Conshelf II submersible hangar. Image by Martin Henke (Creative Commons)

Conshelf II deep cabin. Image by Martin Henke (Creative Commons)

Conshelf II submersible hangar in 2017. Photo by Wikiumex (Creative Commons)

Inside the Conshelf II submersible hangar in 2017. Photo by Wikiumex (Creative Commons)

Remains of Conshelf II in 2017. Photo by Wikiumex (Creative Commons)

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