Submersible's designers prepare to go deep

After a record dive to 7,062 meters below sea level by China's manned submersible Jiaolong in 2012, Chinese scientists are developing another submersible designed to reach 11,000 m.

"The Rainbow Fish submersible is expected to be built before 2020 and is designed to carry three people deep under the sea" said Cui Weicheng, chief designer of the vehicle and director of the Hadal Science and Technology Research Center at Shanghai Ocean University.

Cui, who also served as Jiaolong's first deputy chief designer and project leader, said its successful dive laid a strong foundation for the development of the new submersible.