A History-Making Journey To The 'Real North Pole'

Featuring The First-Ever Submersible Dives At 90 Degrees North

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. October 14, 2008

LONDON, UK, August 2, 2005. It has to be the ultimate adventure in the most challenging environment in the world: diving in a manned MIR submersible to the bottom of the ocean at 90^0 North - in an endeavour to reach the 'real' North Pole. The inaugural 'Real North Pole' expedition is scheduled for August 2006 - just twelve months from now. Adventurers can participate in this historical 17-day adventure for lb42,000 per person (accompanying non-divers pay just lb8,825 per person) and be one of the first people on the planet to see what lies beneath the ocean at the 'real' North Pole.

The expedition's aim is to create history as the difficult logistical problems are challenged to put the two manned MIR submersibles down on the ocean bottom at approximately 4,400 metres (14,500 feet) below. The MIR will complete its descent by landing gently at the 'Real North Pole' in the Amundsen Plain - a north-south valley and the deepest part of this least-known ocean. It is expected that the submersible's exterior lights will show a smooth sedimentary terrain made of clays and the microscopic remains of dead plankton. Biologically it is a desert but there should be a few small bottom-dwelling animals. It is believed that the food supply is very scant and therefore only limited and adapted species will exist. Whilst divers are observing and taking pictures through the view ports, the pilot will take scientific readings and capture ocean bottom and water column samples with the submersible's external arm. On the return journey to the surface the pioneers will carry first-time knowledge of this newly discovered place.

Travelling to the North Pole is an extraordinary event in itself, considering that it was little more than 100 years ago that man first set foot on the Pole. Sailing from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen the powerful icebreaker Yamal heads north to the North Pole. Very few vessels have the power to negotiate the challenging ice of the Arctic basin yet, surging through densely packed ice at speeds of up to 12 knots, the Yamal's 75,000 horsepower meets the challenge of even the heaviest ice with ease. As the icebreaker speeds toward the Pole, expedition members may board helicopters for unique views of the ship and landscape or even enjoy an invigorating walk on the Arctic pack. Arrival at the Pole is celebrated in grand style with an on-ice barbecue, plenty of time for exploring and, even, a quick plunge into the Arctic Ocean. But this once-in-a-lifetime expedition will not be content with merely resting on the surface of the ocean at 90^0 North! In addition to the historic submersible dives, the Yamal will carry a sophisticated ROV (remote operated vehicle) system complete with video camera. The ROV will be used under the pack ice with live videos being relayed back to the ship for passengers viewing.

To accomplish the task the Yamal will remain at the North Pole for about five days during which time the aim is to complete around eight individual submersible dives to the ocean bottom. So, the number of dive participants will be limited and the order of dive participants will be determined in advance based on the time of booking. The Yamal accommodates up to 100 passengers in suites and cabins all with en-suite facilities.

Previous attempts at conquering the Pole certainly involved more hardship and determination - and this expedition is no way detracts from their courageous accomplishments - but this will be a unique and thrilling adventure never attempted before by using the most modern technology possible.

Built in Finland in 1987 the submersibles, constructed of special nickel steel, can reach a maximum depth of 6,000 metres (19,680 feet) and are designed to withstand the enormous pressures in these ocean depths. They have an overall length of 7.8 metres (25 feet) and a cabin of 2.1 metres (7 feet) in diameter, accommodating one pilot and two passengers.

Details of the Dive Operation:

Following a final briefing, the divers will enter the submersible, and the support ship's onboard crane will lift them and the MIR into the ocean. After pre-dive testing, ballast water will be pumped into the tanks and the submersible will begin to descend at a rate of 31 metres (100 feet) per minute. Three acrylic portholes, 5-8 inches in diameter will be the window to the undersea world. The water will turn from light green through the spectrums of blue and in a short time to a black as ambient light disappears at around 200-230 metres (700-800 feet). The total descent time to the sea floor at the North Pole is about three hours. During that time, passengers can relax, enjoy music, watch the pilot operating the MIR, and/or scan the ocean depths for bioluminescent creatures whose glowing characteristics require no lights to be seen. From time to time, the pilot will turn on the submersible's powerful external lighting system to look for marine creatures. Topside, the support ship (never out of voice contact) will help navigate the MIR to the ocean floor of the North Pole at approximately 14,500 feet (4.400m). Lit by the submersible's powerful lights the divers can look at the surrounding bottom of the sea. Outside video and still cameras will record the area, while scientific samples and other data are collected. With the help of acoustical transponders the pilot will coordinate carefully with the support vessel to navigate safely back to the ocean surface, where the MIR is lifted back onboard and greeted with suitable celebrations! Each individual dive is expected to last a maximum of eight to nine hours.

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