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Deep Frontier Expedition Announced
28 June 2006
Today Deep Ocean Expeditions formally announced the launch of the Deep Frontier Expedition project, an ambitious and exciting multi-year, multi-ocean expedition aboard the RV Keldysh and utilizing the twin Mir submersibles. It is scheduled to commence in late 2006. For the duration of the expedition the RV Keldysh will be fitted with a powerful side-scan sonar and other remote-sensing and sampling equipment that will enable the vessel to engage in a wide
array of scientific research and exploration activities.
Project Manager Rob McCallum said today "the combination of a large oceanographic vessel with the unique abilities the twin extreme depth submersibles and a world class side-scan sonar system, will provide us with an amazing exploration capability. The Deep Frontier Expedition will involve private adventurers, scientists, film-makers and those interested in conducting operations at extreme depth. It's a unique opportunity for anyone wishing to accomplish something in the deep ocean".
The Deep Frontier Expedition is expected to be a multi-year voyage that will see Keldysh visit five oceans. Her anticipated voyage plan will see her undertake a range of exciting projects in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic and Southern Oceans. DOE Project scientist, Peter Batson said, "the expedition will see Keldysh accomplish many dives in areas previously unseen by humans, so I guess it's inevitable that we will see things that have never been seen before.
It's a chance to gather data about the deep sea that can be used to help us better understand and manage the oceans that surround us". The expedition is attracting past clientele as it provides them with the opportunity take part in most of the expeditions itinerary.
The 400ft RV Akademik Keldysh is expected to visit hydrothermal vents, seamounts, historical shipwrecks, sites of special geological and biological interest and to conduct some of the first submersible dives in the Arctic and Antarctic waters. Her twin Mir submersibles, each capable of reaching depths of 20,000 feet, are expected to conduct hundreds of dives during the course of the voyage, many of them aided by powerful SM-30 sonar system that will be deployed to
search large areas of the ocean.
Further information for private adventurers, commercial operators, film makers and the science community is available from info@deepoceanexpeditions.com