Chinese archaeologists begin first deep sea mission

Chinese archaeologists Wednesday set sail from Sanya in south China's Hainan Province on board the oceanic research vessel Tansuo-1 to carry out the country's first deep sea archaeological mission.

Six archaeologists will board the submersible Shenhai Yongshi (literally "deep sea warrior") and make six dives in waters off Beijiao of the Xisha Islands, according to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

                     Oceanic research vessel Tansuo-1 [File Photo: VCG]

The dives, ranging from six to eight hours each, will vary in depth from 50 to 200 meters, although they may dive as deep as 1,000 meters if necessary. The manned submersible is designed to reach a maximum depth of 4,500 meters.

In October 2017, it completed its first deep sea testing mission off the shores of Sanya.