Russian scientists’ first attempt to set a new record by diving 1,637 metres to the bottom of Siberia’s Lake Baikal appears to have failed.

As reported on Nature a research team is hoping to take Russia’s venerable Mir submersibles to the bottom of Baikal to find gas hydrate deposits and take water and sediment samples.

This morning Russian news sources announced a new record for freshwater manned dives had been set. But by this afternoon the claim was withdrawn: only a paltry 1,580 metres had been achieved…

Image: MIR stock photo / NOAA