Download largest version (mp4, 1.5 MB)

 

During the mid-day dive, the submersible team had a strange encounter with a swordfish. Just as they switched on the video recorder, 1,760 ft below the surface, the large fish suddenly appeared in the distance. It swam directly at the forward observation sphere of the Johnson-Sea-Link, before veering away. Note what appears to be cavitation as the fish slashes its sword through the water. This seems highly improbable given the extreme pressure at this depth. The team will analyze this footage more closely once they return to shore. At the end of the video, watch as the camera shakes when the billfish strikes the side of the submersible. This is not the first known confrontation the Johnson-Sea-Link has had with a swordfish. Video captured from submersible video camera.

Related Links

Deep Scope 2004

Deep Scope: August 12 log

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery