This man lived underwater for 75 days – what the world record is all about

The American Joseph Dituri (55) has a life that could almost be more lonely. On March 1, the professor left his homeland and plunged into the sea. His destination: the “Jules’ Undersea Lodge”, a cabin specially equipped for divers. This is 22 meters below the water’s surface, at the bottom of a lagoon in Key Largo, Florida. Unlike a submarine, there is no pressure equalization in the cabin.

Dituri has been living underwater for 75 days, with the 74th day setting a new world record on Monday. But that’s not what the American was about – that’s the background of his new life.

Behind the underwater life of Dituri is a scientific project called “Project Neptune 100”. The professor of medical technology wants to test on his own body how life under water without pressure equalization affects the human body. Dituri wants to stay at the “Jules’ Undersea Lodge” for 100 days until June 9. During this time, various values ​​of the scientist are regularly measured, such as muscle mass, brain activity, heart rate or visual acuity.

“My urge to explore brought me here,” Dituri explains his motivation to the BBC. And he told the Guardian: “It’s about populating the world’s oceans and protecting them by living in them and treating them right.” The world record does not mean much to the American. It’s an honor to have this now, he says, but “I still have a lot to explore.”

Physical contact with other people has «Dr. Deep Sea”, as Dituri is often called, in its temporary new home. However, he is not completely isolated. The professor has his laptop with him and continues to use it to lecture at the University of South Florida.

His new way of life greatly increased interest in his person. Dituri says he was able to tell 2,500 students from around the world about his impressions. “Maybe one day they’ll pick up on this science and continue the journey we’re on now,” he hopes. There are also discussions with other researchers and since the world record was broken, there are also more and more agreements with the media.

Despite his life outside the civilized world, Dituri is never bored underwater. The scientist is busy with his work for several hours a day and also enjoys the moments alone. He gets up at 5 a.m. every morning, he reports. Then follow a workout with push-ups and exercises with bands. Between noon and evening, he prepares a protein-rich meal, such as salmon or eggs, in his microwave.

Dituri generally likes this new lifestyle. He likes life underwater, he tells the Guardian. Yet he sometimes finds it difficult to see his loved ones only via video calls. “I miss the physical contact with my friends and family,” he says. Among other things, Dituri missed his daughter’s college education because of his experiment.

Furthermore, the scientist misses relatively little of the earth’s surface. Big exception: the sun. “I miss them the most,” says Dituri. “I usually go to the gym at five and then watch the sunrise.”