DIVING IN THE BATHYSCAPHE TRIESTE

Bathyscaphe Trieste was not built for comfort. Although the submersible was 50 feet long, its cabin was a cramped sphere slung beneath the large gasoline-filled float. With an inside diameter of just over six feet, the pressure hull provided just enough room for bathyscaphe Trieste’s pilot and co-pilot, and her power, electronics and life support systems.

During deep dives – which lasted up to 8.5 hours – Trieste’s cabin temperature would drop rapidly in the cold waters of the abyss. Small leaks and condensation made the submarine’s interior rather damp. To keep warm the bathyscaphe’s crew stuffed air purification canisters inside their clothes. These canisters were used to absorb carbon dioxide in the sphere, giving off heat in the process.