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Russia ventures into deepest lake Russia claims world-record dive
(about 3 hours later)
Russian scientists have begun a record-breaking attempt to dive to the bottom of the world's deepest body of fresh water, Lake Baikal in Siberia. Russian scientists say they have broken the world record for the deepest dive in a body of fresh water, by plumbing the depths of Lake Baikal in Siberia.
They are using two manned vessels to plunge 1,700m (5,500ft) to the bed of the lake, which contains about a fifth of the world's fresh water. Russian news reports said two manned mini-submarines successfully plunged 1,680m (5,512ft) to the lake's bed.
The mission is part of a two-year plan aimed at conserving Lake Baikal's unique ecosystem. The mission is part of a two-year plan aimed at conserving the ecosystem of Lake Baikal, which contains about a fifth of the world's fresh water.
The area was declared a Unesco world heritage site in 1996.The area was declared a Unesco world heritage site in 1996.
Expedition leader Artur Chilingarov, who also led a team of scientists that planted a Russian flag at the bottom of the North Pole in August last year, said the Baikal mission was a complex one. Before the expedition set off, leader Artur Chilingarov described it as a complex one.
"There are technological problems, fickle weather conditions. Fresh water dictates its own special conditions," he said."There are technological problems, fickle weather conditions. Fresh water dictates its own special conditions," he said.
The two 18-tonne mini-submarines were designed to operate in seawater - but have shed hundreds of kilos to make them buoyant enough in less dense fresh water.The two 18-tonne mini-submarines were designed to operate in seawater - but have shed hundreds of kilos to make them buoyant enough in less dense fresh water.
Mr Chilingarov said his team would work to overcome those difficulties and put together "a package of practical measures and recommendations" to promote conservation of the lake.Mr Chilingarov said his team would work to overcome those difficulties and put together "a package of practical measures and recommendations" to promote conservation of the lake.
The BBC's James Rogers, at Lake Baikal, says the expedition is another sign of the Kremlin's desire to show the world the kind of feat a newly confident Russia is capable of. Mr Chilingarov also led a team of scientists to the North Pole in August last year - where they controversially staked Russia's claim by planting a flag on the seabed.
The BBC's James Rogers, at Lake Baikal, says the Baikal expedition is another sign of the Kremlin's desire to show the world the kind of feat a newly confident Russia is capable of.