Photos | China's 'Deep Sea No. 1' and 'Jiaolong' submersible make first visit to HK

Supported fully by the State Oceanic Administration of the Ministry of Natural Resources, China's research vessel "Deep Sea No. 1" along with the manned submersible "Jiaolong" arrived in Hong Kong for the first time today (Spet. 24).

At 8 a.m., "Deep Sea No. 1" slowly approached the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier, with "Jiaolong" subtly visible within its hold. As the ship neared docking, scientists aboard enthusiastically waved and made heart gestures to the people gathered onshore. The vessel's large dark blue and light white hull contrasted strikingly with the azure sea, presenting an imposing and majestic appearance.

Students soon arrived at the pier to tour the vessel. A middle school student, Zheng, mentioned his excitement about seeing China's first submersible capable of reaching depths up to 7,000 meters. "It's rare to encounter such a significant piece of national equipment," Zheng said, adding that he is an avid reader of scientific literature and was thrilled to have the opportunity to board the ship.

Another Fukien Secondary School Affiliated School (FSSAS) student, Huang, expressed his excitement about witnessing such advanced technology from his homeland in Hong Kong, cherishing the chance to learn more about deep-sea exploration equipment and marine conservation.

Su, also a student at FSSAS, felt proud to see her motherland's scientific vessel. She recalled a recent online exchange organized by her school with scientists aboard "Deep Sea No. 1," where she learned about the challenges of deep-sea exploration and marine conservation. Su was keen to learn more about the various deep-sea creatures she had seen in videos and hoped to discuss these further with the scientists during her visit.

"Deep Sea No. 1" and "Jiaolong" are in Hong Kong from Sept. 23 to 25 during their return voyage, with a series of events organized by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Since setting sail on Aug. 10 for the "2024 Western Pacific International Voyage," "Jiaolong" has completed 18 dives in the Western Pacific, carrying more than ten scientists, including eight international researchers, on its first international mission and its first with foreign scientists aboard.

Related News:

China's manned deep-sea submersible to visit HK after completing 300th dive

Japanese destroyer 'Suzutsuki' trespasses Chinese territorial waters