Russian divers set a world record, descending 111 meters into the Arctic's Barents Sea, a representative of the Russian Geographical Society-led expedition told RIA Novosti.
International experience in Arctic scuba diving is limited to dives to a depth of around 30 meters. The goal of the expedition was to test Russian-made diving and scientific equipment. The divers recorded data about flora and fauna of coastal waters.
"Underwater researchers headed by Dmitry Shiller accomplished the deepest scuba diver decent in the Arctic at a depth of 111 meters on Russian equipment and collected scientific data. The achievement was recorded by Bojana Ostojic, member of the Jacques-Yves Cousteau team, and member of the World Underwater Federation board of directors," the representative said.
The divers also installed a monument to sailors who died defending the region during World War II. The equipment used by the divers allowed them to work underwater in sub-zero temperatures for several hours, according to the manufacturer's press service.