With the halfway point of Rudy’s 120-day Guinness World Record attempt for living underwater fast approaching, a surprise visit from old friends was just what the doctor ordered.
The visitors? Longtime friends and owners of Linton Bay Marina, who took a boat ride across the open sea to check in on their friend and share a few heartfelt moments.
The journey itself was an adventure. Upon docking, the visitors were welcomed aboard the SeaPod by the official witness, who is currently living alongside Rudy. They were assisted up using the jet ski lift, a system still in development, which added an unexpected twist of excitement to their arrival.
Upon setting foot on SeaPod Alpha Deep, the panoramic ocean view immediately took their breath away. The uninterrupted expanse of the blue horizon never fails to leave an impression, and this visit was no exception. They then made their way down the SeaPod’s spiral staircase, a descent of 63 steps leading into the depths of the Underwater Room. Rosalind Baitel, one of the guests, lightened the mood with a quip: “It’s not the way down that’s tough, it’s the climb back up that might be challenging!”
Reaching the Underwater Room was an emotional moment, filled with genuine smiles and warm hugs. Despite the regular updates and daily videos, nothing quite compares to the experience of being submerged beneath the ocean’s surface, enveloped by the soft, calming blue light. “It looks just like a screensaver,” they remarked.
Bringing gifts fit for the occasion, the marina owners presented Rudy with cigars and a bottle of Flor de Caña 25-Year Rum, a thoughtful gesture and a bit of luxury for a man living under the sea.
The underwater scene outside the windows put on a spectacular show, with colorful coral fish, yellow snapper, and even a few mackerel making an appearance. “Holy mackerel!” joked Roz, capturing the wonder and humor of the moment. The abundance of marine life sparked a conversation about the SeaPod’s potential to contribute to marine habitats, an idea that has been part of the vision from the start.
As stationary structures in the ocean, SeaPods naturally attract marine organisms. Algae, fish, and other sea creatures often settle around the underwater room, showcasing the ecological potential of these innovative floating homes. This natural accumulation could offer valuable opportunities for marine researchers, especially in coral restoration projects. With plans to introduce hanging coral gardens with 3D coral printing and an AI camera to inventory marine life, the SeaPod team aims to create a space that not only offers a unique living experience but also serves as a hub for scientific exploration and conservation efforts.
Conversations flowed easily throughout the visit, touching on future plans, the challenges of isolation, and the beauty of underwater living. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection, even in the most extraordinary and remote of settings.
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