Jacques Cousteau's grandson to stay beneath the sea for 31 days in record attempt

Fabien Costeau has begun his attempt to break the record set by his grandfather, who stayed underwater for 30 days.

12:41 02 June 2014

Fabien Costeau and a team of scientists and filmmakers have begun their attempt to stay underwater for at least 31 days. 

 

The goal is to break the record set by Jacques Cousteau, Fabien’s grandfather, who stayed beneath the sea for 30 days 50 years ago. 

 

The group are now residing in the world’s only underwater laboratory Aquarius, 20 metres below the surface. 

 

Fabien said: "In a sense Mission 31 is based on the first ever exploits of my grandfather's with Conshelf II of living underwater for a full month.” 

 

“Aquarius is very unique in that it's the only undersea marine laboratory - with that it is not only a legacy, and not only the best kept secret in the oceans, but it also gives us a unique platform from which to live and explore this final frontier on our planet."

 

The team will be carrying out experiments while under the sea. They are also expected to examine wildlife and explore the potential effects of climate change. 

 

Making a joke about his journey, Fabien said: "Unfortunately for me as a French person, the food will also be simulated: freeze-dried, astronaut type of food, canned foods, things like that.

 

"So it's a horror show for me, but we'll have to suck it up for 31 days."