Captain Zhao Xin (R) holds a handheld radio as third officer Song Yunduo steers the research vessel Deep Sea No. 1 into position for the launch of the manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong in the western Pacific Ocean, on Oct. 10, 2026. China's research vessel Deep Sea No. 1, carrying manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong, arrived at East Caroline Basin in the western Pacific Ocean on Saturday for deep-sea scientific research.

This marks the 466th dive of Jiaolong, with a planned diving depth of about 4,500 meters. (Xinhua/Li Xin)