Dr. Joseph Dituri Breaks World Record for Living Underwater In Florida Keys

KEY LARGO, Fla. (May 13, 2023) — At 1:05 PM ET Saturday, May 13, 2023, Dr. Joseph Dituri, also known as Dr. Deep Sea, broke the world record for longest time spent living in an underwater fixed habitat on day 73 of his 100-day mission.

Dituri, an associate professor at the University of South Florida, is living 22-feet deep in his 100-square-foot undersea lab at Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo. Dituri’s mission began on March 1 when he submerged and his goal was to live and work in and around the undersea lab at the Marine Resources Development Foundation’s MarineLab facility. He is expected to resurface on June 9 after completing his 100-day mission where he will then submit to in-depth medical examinations by a team of doctors to learn about the effects to the human body.

“I’m humbled that my curiosity for discovery has led me here,” said Dituri. “My goal is to inspire — not only for generations to come — but for scientists around the globe who study life undersea and how the human body functions when in extreme environments.”

The previous record was set in 2014 by Tennessee teachers Bruce Cantrell and Jessica Fain, who also broke the record in the same undersea lab.

While undersea, Dituri has virtually interacted and taught more than 2,450 students in more than 10 countries, including Abu Dhabi, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Ireland, Korea, Vietnam and the United Kingdom, in addition to holding regular biomedical engineering classes at USF.

“The University of South Florida community has been closely following Joseph Dituri’s journey, and it is clear that his passion for science is leading to significant contributions in the biomedical engineering field,” said USF President Rhea Law. “I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Dituri for breaking the world record, and I thank him for continuing to educate and inspire future generations.”

Dituri’s objectives include engaging with students of all ages to spark interest and creative thinking in the world of science. Additionally, he will continue his research on the positive influence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on human health and exploring the ocean’s role in the treatment of disease.

Dituri found his passion for science while serving in the U.S. Navy for 28 years as a saturation diving officer. After retiring in 2012 as a commander, Dituri enrolled at USF to earn his doctoral degree to learn more about traumatic brain injuries.

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About Dr. Joseph Dituri; Dr. Deep Sea
Dr. Joseph Dituri, also known as Dr. Deep Sea, is living underseas in a 100-day-long mission combining education for students of all ages, ocean conservation research, and the study of the physiological and psychological effects of compression on the human body. Dituri is a hyperbaric medicine researcher, educator, diving explorer, motivational speaker and best-selling author. Dituri holds a Ph.D in Biomedical Engineering from the University of South Florida, where he now serves as an associate professor. Dituri is a retired U.S. Navy Saturation Diver who served 28 years.

This information was shared with Tidings Media by the Tampa Bay Newswire (www.tampabaynewswire.com) and is reprinted with permission.