Exploration and tourism on the deepest dives Every dive into the abyss brings back important scientific data and reminds the world of the critical need for protecting the planet’s oceans Hamish Harding's point of view from inside the DSV Limiting Factor. (Photo: Action Aviation (Challenger Deep)) March 16, 2021 In 1960, Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh reached the deepest point in the world's oceans piloting a submersible called Trieste. Recently, new records have been set by James Cameron with the first solo descent in 2013, Patrick Lahey and Jonathan Struwe’s deepest marine recovery in 2019, and astronaut Kathryn Sullivan who set the first women’s record in 2020. Common to 12 of 15 record-breaking firsts is the submersible vehicle Limiting Factor, designed by Canadian engineer Patrick Lahey. As a part of the Five Deeps Expedition, Victor Vescovo piloted Limiting Factor to the deepest spots in each of the world's five oceans, conducting surveys and collecting biological samples from each area as well as mapping previously unexplored fracture zones.