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Russia claims world-record dive Russia claims world-record dive
(10 minutes later)
Russian scientists say they have broken the world record for the deepest dive in a body of fresh water, plumbing the depths of Lake Baikal in Siberia.Russian scientists say they have broken the world record for the deepest dive in a body of fresh water, plumbing the depths of Lake Baikal in Siberia.
Russian news reports said two manned mini-submarines successfully plunged 1,680m (5,512ft) to the lake's bed.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 the ecosystem of Lake Baikal, which contains about one-fifth of the world's fresh water.The mission is part of a two-year plan aimed at conserving the ecosystem of Lake Baikal, which contains about one-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.
Russia's Interfax and Itar-Tass news agencies cited expedition organisers as saying that the Mir I and Mir II mini-submarines had touched the bottom of the lake.Russia's Interfax and Itar-Tass news agencies cited expedition organisers as saying that the Mir I and Mir II mini-submarines had touched the bottom of the lake.
"This is a world record for a submarine diving in fresh water," Interfax quoted an organiser as saying. name="top">
"This is a world record for a submarine diving in fresh water," Interfax quoted an organiser as saying.See map of region
However, the Russian team say they are still awaiting official confirmation of the depth of the dive.However, the Russian team say they are still awaiting official confirmation of the depth of the dive.
The Mir capsules are already in the record books for their undersea expeditions - descending to depths greater than 4,000m.The Mir capsules are already in the record books for their undersea expeditions - descending to depths greater than 4,000m.
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One of the submarines is lowered into the water, ready for the missionOne of the submarines is lowered into the water, ready for the mission
'Confident Russia''Confident Russia'
Before the expedition set off, leader Artur Chilingarov described it as 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 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.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 latest expedition is another sign of the Kremlin's desire to show the world the kind of feat a newly confident Russia is capable of.The BBC's James Rogers, at Lake Baikal, says the latest expedition is another sign of the Kremlin's desire to show the world the kind of feat a newly confident Russia is capable of.
Environmentalists had expressed concern that Russia intended to exploit the lake's mineral wealth, but expedition leaders insisted the mission was for research and conservation purposes only.Environmentalists had expressed concern that Russia intended to exploit the lake's mineral wealth, but expedition leaders insisted the mission was for research and conservation purposes only.
Mr Chilingarov said his team would put together "a package of practical measures and recommendations" to promote conservation of the lake.Mr Chilingarov said his team would put together "a package of practical measures and recommendations" to promote conservation of the lake.
Lake Baikal, formed 25 million years ago, is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna.Lake Baikal, formed 25 million years ago, is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna.
One of the most unusual animals unique to the lake is the Baikal seal - one of the few seals to spend its life in fresh water.One of the most unusual animals unique to the lake is the Baikal seal - one of the few seals to spend its life in fresh water.
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