Nicole Yamase

Micronesian student explores floor of Marianas Trench

Nicole Yamase, a PhD candidate in the University of Hawaii's Marine Biology Graduate Program, went to a depth of 10.7 km in the area known as the Western Pool of the Challenger Deep.

The location of the dive, which took place earlier this month, was about 320 kilometres southwest of Guam.

Yamase boarded the vessel DSSV Pressure Drop at Apra Harbor in Guam, which transported a submersible known as the Limiting Factor to the Marianas Trench location.

"The submersible was piloted by its owner, Victor Vescovo," Yamase said Tuesday after returning to Hawaii.