(This information [is] being released in Guam, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, San Diego, California and Washington, DC)

Navy's deep-sea diving craft, the Bathyscaph Trieste, broke its own world record last night, when it submerged to a depth of 24,000 feet in the waters of the Pacific Marianas Trench of Guam.

Piloted by Navy Lieutenant Donald Walsh, officer in charge, and Mr. Jacques Piccard, the unique research craft successfully completed the second deep-dive in a series of scientific explorations when it surfaced yesterday at 11:23 P.M. (EST).

The Trieste was taken on its first record-breaking dive by Dr. Andreas B. Rechnitzer, senior scientist in charge of Project Nekton, and Mr. Piccard last November 15, when they sank to 18,600 feet in the same area.

The extraordinary underwater "ship" is part of the Navy Electronics Laboratory's specialized equipment in support of a long-range U.S. Navy Oceanographic Research Program.

In this series of explorations, which has been in the planning for two years, the Navy is seeking to bring to light scientific mysteries yet unknown.

Knowledge of sunlight penetration, underwater visibility, natural underwater sounds, transmission of man-made sounds, water currents, water temperatures, sea floor configurations and the effect of deep water pressures on various mechanical devices are some of the numerous facts being sought.

The craft was purchased by the Navy from Auguste and Jacques Piccard, Swiss-born father-and-son team, who designed and built the Trieste. After a series of experimental dives in the summer of 1957, the craft was delivered to the Navy in August in 1958.

By virtue of its unique structure, the Trieste is able to withstand enormous pressures and is capable of operating under its own power when submerged.

The Trieste has been operating out of Naval Station, Guam, since November, when it arrived there from San Diego, California.

Information provided by: http://www.onr.navy.mil