A Very Deep Dive

GLOBAL SUBDIVE

Ocean exploration, documentation and conservation

BY ROBERT CARMICHAEL

Just south of Chub Cay and running adjacent to the eastern shore of Andros, is a place called the Tongue of the Ocean (TOTO), where the water is more than two miles deep. The elongated trench runs northwest and southwest for about 150 miles and averages 20 miles wide, with depths ranging from kneedeep sandbars down to around 12,600 feet. The extreme depth, clear water and abundant sea life have attracted avid fishermen for decades. Now, a group of adventurers are deep diving into the TOTO’s depths.

Global SubDive is an exploration and marine research team with some unique assets. Leading the charge is a pair of 1,000-foot-rated Triton submersibles that carry two people. There’s also a DP1 multipurpose subsea vessel, some remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and a host of support assets geared for ocean exploration, documentation and conservation.

The team is led by inventor, entrepreneur and ocean explorer, Robert M. Carmichael, who has launched numerous innovative businesses including Halcyon Dive Systems, Brownie’s Marine Group, BLU3 and Live Blue.

Global SubDive’s two-man subs exploring the deep water trenches of the Bahamas.

COURTESY OF GLOBAL SUBDIVE

RICK GUNVALDSEN RICK GUNVALDSEN COURTESY OF GLOBAL SUBDIVE

Carmichael’s group is based at Chub Cay Resort & Marina, a perfect platform to explore the TOTO and the South Berry Islands marine reserve. In addition to its marine research initiative, Global SubDive offers rides hundreds of feet down to visitors who are staying at the resort or want to come and peek into the briny depths. As the submarine descends along sheer underwater cliffs, people can study geological formations that reveal when ice ages occurred and sea levels fluctuated. It’s a pricey dive — around $1,800 per person — but one of the only places in the world where non-scientists have the opportunity to cruise at depths usually reserved for deepwater sea species.

When not exploring TOTO, the team has also conducted missions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea for numerous organizations including the U.S. Department of the Navy (NAVSEA), the Discovery Channel and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Most recently, Global SubDive partnered with Live Blue to launch a training center for people who want to pursue ocean-related careers as well as an oceanic research institute at Chub Cay to support its ocean research and conservation initiatives.