Leatherback turtle sets new deep dive record in Solomon Islands

A leatherback turtle from the Solomon Islands region achieved a spectacular feat by diving to 1,344 meters.

Scientists, led by expert Peter Waldi, recorded the leatherback turtle's accomplishments while researching to protect this species.

The feat in the Solomon Islands region is the deepest dive by a turtle in history. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the previous record stood at 1,280 meters, set in 2006 by another leatherback turtle. The 1,344-meter result surpasses the previous record by 64 meters. Although numbers don't lie, to speak of an actual Guinness record holder, we must wait for the official confirmation of the result and its entry into the book.

To explain the spectacular nature of the turtle's feat, it is worth comparing the depth it reached with that currently achieved by submarines. These vessels typically operate at depths of about 300-400 meters. National Geographic notes that the deepest-diving vessel has descended to over 900 meters, which is still less impressive than what the turtle achieved.

In a conversation with Live Science, the Guinness Book of World Records spokesperson said that the deepest turtle dive requires expert consultation for accurate verification. In the case of scientific and natural records based on data, such as this instance, we usually wait until the results are verified and published in a peer-reviewed journal before considering them, the spokesperson said.

Leatherback turtles spend their entire lives in the water, with females only briefly coming ashore to lay eggs. Scientists have discovered that these animals can stay underwater for up to 90 minutes. Their specially adapted shell, which contracts and expands with pressure changes, helps.