Seeking a new way of life under the sea - and a world record

by Juan José Rodríguez There are probably easier ways to set a world record, but Rudiger Koch has found his method 11 meters under the sea. AFP The underwater house is connected to an above-water chamber, providing a link to the outside world Koch's 30-square-meter capsule has most of the trappings of modern life: a bed, toilet, TV, computer and internet -- even an exercise bike. - A window into the sea - AFP Fish swim outside the windows of Rudiger Koch's underwater home, off the coast of Panama, on November 26, 2024 On a small bedside table lies Jules Verne's "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea," a 19th century sci-fi classic. AFP Rudiger Koch has received visits to his underwater home from his doctor and his family -- but has not gone to the surface himself A narrow spiral staircase leads to the chamber above, the entire contraption located some 15 minutes by boat from the Puerto Lindo coast, off northern Panama. AFP A clock maintains a countdown of how much longer Rudiger Koch must stay underwater Outside of the media, Koch's only visitors have been his doctor, his children and his wife.