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Dive below the surface with the Underwater Photographer of the Year awards

There's a world beneath us that we don't know much about, and photographers around the world have all tried to capture its beauty. With over 6,500 photos submitted for this year's Underwater Photographer of the Year contest, one photo captured the panel of judges' heart - Alex Dawson's 'Whale Bones'. The image shows a diver swimming among the enormous skeletons of slaughtered whales off the coast of Greenland. "Whale Bones was photographed in the toughest conditions, as a breath-hold diver descends below the Greenland ice sheet to bear witness to the carcasses," Alex Mustard, Chair of the UPY Jury said. "The masterful composition invites me to consider our impact on the great creatures of this planet," he added. "Since the rise of humans, wild animals have declined by 85%. Today, just 4% of mammals are wildlife, the remaining 96% are humans and our livestock. "Our way needs to change to find a balance with nature." Lisa Stengel from the US won the title of Up & Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024, for her shot titled 'Window of Opportunity'. The photo captured the beauty of nature as a mahi attacks a swarm of fish, an action shot that captured "high speed hunting at the decisive moment." Nuno Sá from Portugal won the award for 'Save Our Seas Foundation' Marine Conservation Photographer of the Year 2024 for his work titled Saving Goliath. The photo showed dozens of sun seekers working together to try and save a stranded sperm whale off the beaches of Costa da Caparica. UK residents Jenny Stock won the title of British Underwater Photographer of the Year for her work 'Star Attraction' and Sandra Stalker won the title of Most Promising British Underwater Photographer 2024 for 'Midnight raver'. Images: UPY

International Travel

“Unfortunate timing” for Play School’s underwater adventure

Aussie children’s show Play School has prompted debate online after airing an episode focussed on the underwater adventure of two characters. The episode, while harmless enough on its own, caused eyebrows to raise over its timing - with ABC airing the content in the wake of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/surprising-cause-of-death-revealed-for-missing-titan-sub-crew">the Titanic-bound Titan submersible’s implosion</a>. The segment in question, titled ‘Sea and Space: 2’, saw characters Jemima and Kiya dive deep to the ocean’s “cold and dark” midnight zone at the hands of hosts Kaeng and Rachel. Rachel was delighted to inform audiences that the dolls were “going to the bottom of the sea”, with a close-up shot showcasing the dolls’ descent in their submarine-like prop vessel. “They’ve made it all the way to the bottom of the sea floor,” Rachel went on to share, before revealing that it was “very dark” down there, and wondering whether or not the explorers would get to see any creatures. After taking a look around, Rachel sang about how “two explorers went to sea sea sea to see what they could see see see see, but all that they could see see see was …” Rachel’s fellow host, Kaeng, got involved then to show off a torch fish, and the dolls had the opportunity to check out a whole host of deep-sea creatures along with another few verses of the song. But that wasn’t the end of it, with some concerned viewers taking issue with the timing of the episode, and taking to social media to share their thoughts with like-minded users. One Reddit user shared a clip from the episode, noting that it was “bad timing for the scheduling this morning.” Another shared a screenshot from the same segment, writing that the show was “trolling with an episode this morning about submarines”. “OMG I saw this and thought the same,” one shared. “Disgusting!” someone else declared. “Play School just rubbing it in! How vicious,” another said. However, others were not so quick to condemn the network, instead suggesting that the episode - and Play School’s schedule - had been planned out months beforehand, and the timing was not intentional, just unfortunate. “Not sure this was a fresh episode probably just an unaware scheduled repeat,” one wrote. "Unfortunate timing for this morning's Play School broadcast," someone thought. And as another put it, “you do realise how far in advance these are filmed and scheduled, right?” And while social media had had plenty to offer, a spokesperson for ABC confirmed to news.com.au that they’d so far received no complaints over the episode. Images: Play School / ABC

11 breathtaking underwater hotels around the world

Your new dream vacation spot is six metres below sea level. Be their guest! Talk about a tropical oasis! These stunning hotel rooms from around the world share one thing in common: they’re all underwater. So whether you’re an ocean lover by nature or are always looking for your next adventure, take a deep dive into some of these exquisite stays. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – Rangali Island, The Maldives <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/02_-conradhotel_Underwater-Hotels-Around-the-World-that-Look-Too-Beautiful-to-Be-Real_VIA-CONRADHOTEL.COM-770-1.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Image: Courtesy conradhotel.com This island resort is famous for its Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world’s first all-glass dining establishment completely submerged underwater. It’s also one of the only locations in the world where you shouldn’t be afraid of sharks staring at you. Above ground, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island provides spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. Stop for a unique massage in the Over Water Spa, tiki hut-style rooms with glass floors that allow you to watch colourful fish swim below you during your treatment. The Manta Resort – Pemba Island, off the coast of Tanzania <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/03_themanta_Underwater-Hotels-Around-the-World-that-Look-Too-Beautiful-to-Be-Real_themantaresort-COURTESY-THEMANTARESORT.COM-770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Image: Via themantaresort.com The most exciting part of this underwater hotel isn’t even attached to the hotel. It’s called the Underwater Room, your own private floating island where you can sleep under the sea or under the stars. A boat takes you from the mainland to your little paradise. The landing deck with a lounge area and bathroom is at sea level. Climb up the ladder to sunbathe or stargaze on the rooftop, or head below deck to your bedroom for a nearly 360-degree view of underwater life. Prepare to see exotic fish, squid, and even an octopus during your stay at the Underwater Room. Atlantis The Palm – Dubai, United Arab Emirates <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/04_atlantisthepalm_Underwater-Hotels-Around-the-World-that-Look-Too-Beautiful-to-Be-Real_VIA-ATLANTISTHEPALM.COM-770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Image: Via atlantisthepalm.com Atlantis The Palm with its picturesque views of the Arabian Sea is well worth the trip. It was the first resort built on an island and is located on the world’s largest man-made island, Palm Jumeirah, which actually looks like a palm tree. Atlantis The Palm also offers floor-to-ceiling views of the sea in its underwater suites, even in the bathrooms. Guests can dine at not one, but two underwater restaurants, Poseidon Café and Ossiano. The latter is renowned for its seafood, though it may feel disconcerting to eat the same creatures swimming mere feet away from your plate. Resort World Sentosa – Sensota Island, Singapore <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/05_resortworldsensota_Underwater-Hotels-Around-the-World-that-Look-Too-Beautiful-to-Be-Real-VIA-RWSENTOSA.COM-770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Image: rwsentosa.com No need to waterproof your mobile phone when you want to take pictures here at this underwater hotel. The Ocean Suites at Resort World Sentosa are similar to two-story townhouses, the upper level being an above-ground patio with Jacuzzi and the lower level a private underwater suite looking into the depths of the Singapore Strait. Guests can see any number of the over 40,000 kinds of fish that live in the area from the comfort of their own beds. Plus, with seven hotels, four amusement parks, a museum, a cruise ship, and a casino all located on resort property, it’s safe to say this resort has something for everyone. Planet Ocean Underwater Hotel – Florida, US <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/06_Underwater-Hotels-Around-the-World-that-Look-Too-Beautiful-to-Be-Real_PlanetOceanUnderwaterHotel-COURTESY-PLANET-OCEAN-UNDERWATER-HOTEL-LLC-770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Image: Courtesy Planet Ocean Underwater Hotel LLC While you’re in Florida visiting the best beaches in the US, take a detour to Key West, home of the Planet Ocean Underwater Hotel. Located almost 10 metres below the surface, the hotel’s 12 bedrooms are accessible via a glass elevator and provide a panoramic view of aquatic life. A marine biologist will accompany guests to explain the marine life around them. But here’s the catch: Only 90 groups (with 12 couples each) will be able to stay at the Key West location once it officially opens. After that, the hotel will travel to other locations – Okinawa, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand are listed on the hotel’s website – to bring the experience to other citizens of the world. Better make your reservation fast for this underwater hotel. Utter Inn – Vasteras, Sweden <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/07_utterinn_Underwater-Hotels-Around-the-World-that-Look-Too-Beautiful-to-Be-Real_VIA-VISITVASTERAS.SE-770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Image: Via visitvasteras.se We would call this one of the strangest hotels you can ever visit, but technically it isn’t even a hotel. It’s an art project designed by artist and sculptor Mikael Genberg, which conveniently doubles as a hotel room. Guests enter the Utter Inn through a red Swedish-style house floating on the water, then climb down a hatch in the floor for the main attraction: the underwater bedroom surrounded by windows looking into Sweden’s Lake Malaren. Outlaw’s at Al Mahara at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – Dubai, UAE <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/08_burj-al-arab-nathan-outlaw_Underwater-Hotels-Around-the-World-that-Look-Too-Beautiful-to-Be-Real_jumeirah-VIA-JUMEIRAH.COM-770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Image: Via jumeirah.com Burj Al Arab Jumeirah rightly earns its place as one of the most outrageous resorts in the world. Its ambitious architecture resembles a sail blowing in the wind, each room is two stories with state-of-the-art amenities, and Hawksbill turtles are rehabilitated right on the resort’s premises. Its restaurant Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara famously serves the best seafood in Dubai, and the floor-to-ceiling aquarium gives you an authentic underwater dining experience without actually being underwater. Poseidon Undersea Resort – Katafanga Island, Fiji <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/09_Underwater-Hotels-Around-the-World-that-Look-Too-Beautiful-to-Be-Real_poseidonresorts-VIA-POSEIDONRESORTS.COM-770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Image: Via poseidonresorts.com In some cultures, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck. But what about getting married in an underwater hotel? Poseidon Undersea Resort can host wedding ceremonies and vow renewals in its underwater chapel, which has a transparent wall overlooking a coral reef. We’re not sure if a mermaid-style marriage will bring good luck and happiness, but at least it will bring spectacular views. The five-star resort is only accessible via a submarine that you can learn to drive, if you wish. Register online to get notified when the resort starts taking reservations. Lovers Deep Submarine from Oliver’s Travels <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/10_submarine_Underwater-Hotels-Around-the-World-that-Look-Too-Beautiful-to-Be-Real_oliverstravels-VIA-OLIVERSTRAVELS.COM-770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Image: Via oliverstravels.com After your aquatic wedding, keep the undersea fun going at this literal submarine hotel. The self-proclaimed founders of the Mile Low Club are on hand to make your submarine stay just the way you want it. Lovers Deep Submarine can be marooned wherever you’d like for your boarding. A personal chef will design your own aphrodisiac tasting menu. Other optional services include a free rose petal scattering service and champagne breakfast in bed. It sounds too good to be true – and it is. Just one night aboard the sub costs $450,000 per night. Subsix at Niyama Private Islands – The Maldives <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/11_Underwater-Hotels-Around-the-World-that-Look-Too-Beautiful-to-Be-Real_niyama-VIA-NIYAMA.COM-770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Image: Via niyama.com You definitely don’t want to forget proper dining etiquette when you eat at this luxurious restaurant, which serves champagne breakfasts, prix fix lunches, and gourmet dinners six metres below the Indian Ocean. Getting to Subsix involves taking a speedboat from the mainland and descending a three-tier staircase; you will undoubtedly feel like James Bond in doing so. As the world’s first underwater club, Subsix also throws glow parties twice a week so you can dance with the fish, eels, and sea turtles all night long. Hydropolis – Dubai, UAE <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/12_Underwater-Hotels-Around-the-World-that-Look-Too-Beautiful-to-Be-Real_dubailime-VIA-DUBAILIME.COM-770.jpg" alt="" width="770" height="500" /> Image: Via dubailime.com This underwater hotel could join the ranks of the most expensive resorts in the world – if it ever opens. Hydropolis has been in the works since 2005, was supposed to open in 2009, and is still incomplete in 2020. The project has been postponed indefinitely due to costs (only $850 million) and to address the impact the building could have on marine life, but the artist renditions of what it could look like are still breathtaking. The above-ground portion looks like something out of The Jetsons, and the undersea section contains the 220 luxury suites designed with transparent walls. Those working on Hydropolis call it a 10-star hotel. We’ll need to wait until it opens to find out if that’s actually true. Written by Claire Nowak. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/flightstravel-hints-tips/11-breathtaking-underwater-hotels-around-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images

International Travel

Dramatic underwater rescue of unconscious swimmer captured in photographs

The dramatic rescue of Team USA swimmer Anita Alvarez has been captured by underwater photographer Oli Scarff in a series of photos that make for a moment-by-moment replay. Alvarez was performing in the artistic swimming solo free final at the 2022 World Aquatics Championship in Budapest when, at the end of her swim, she became unconscious and sank to the bottom of the pool. Head coach Andrea Fuentes quickly sprang into action, diving into the pool fully clothed and swimming down to grab Alvarez. “It was a good scare,” Fuentes told Spanish sports newspaper Macra. “I had to dive in because the lifeguards didn’t do it. I was scared because I could see she wasn’t breathing.” Fuentes then brought Alvarez to the pool’s surface, where another swimmer helped take the unconscious athlete to the edge of the pool. Alvarez was lifted out of the water and onto a stretcher so she could receive medical attention. In a statement, Fuentes confirmed that Alvarez had a medical emergency but that “all is okay”. “The doctors checked all vitals and everything is normal: heart rate, oxygen, sugar levels, blood pressure, etc … all is okay,” she said. “We sometimes forget that this happens in other high-endurance sports. “We have seen images where some athletes don’t make it to the finish line and others help them to get there. “Our sport is no different than others, just in a pool, we push through limits and sometimes we find them. “Anita feels good now and the doctors also say she is okay. Tomorrow she will rest all day and will decide with the doctor if she can swim free team finals or not. Thank you for all your well wishes for Anita.” This isn’t the first time Alvarez has experienced a medical emergency in the pool, nor is it the first time Fuentes has saved her. Alvarez briefly lost consciousness at the end of a routine while at an Olympic qualification event in Barcelona last June, where Fuentes dove in to rescue her. The 25-year-old came seventh in Wednesday’s competition with a score of 87.6333, with Japan’s Yukiko Inui claiming victory having scored 95.3667. Images: Oli Scarff (Getty Images)

Caring

Parachutes and underwater roller coasters: Did you fall for these pranks?

Companies have made a tradition of making bogus, out-of-this-world announcements on April Fools Day - and even days before it they really want to get the jump on people - and travel companies are no exception. This year, Destination Gold Coast got in on the festivities with their announcement of the world’s first underwater rollercoaster. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDestinationGoldCoast%2Fposts%2F5393004644043691&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="757" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> The tourism company revealed that the ride would be 40 metres tall, standing 20 metres above the water at full take, and would take riders on a 1-kilometre underwater journey. Though plenty were fooled by their joke, their posting of the announcement on March 31 saw them become the butt of plenty of other jokes, including some from their competitors. “Maybe don’t leave the work experience kid in charge of social media, shame, would have been funny … tomorrow!” Brisbane travel agency Premium Flyer commented on Thursday. “Someone better look at a calendar … 31 days in March people,” another commenter wrote. Meanwhile, <a href="https://mumbrella.com.au/april-fools-day-2022-round-up-here-we-go-again-731149" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Webjet New Zealand</a> announced the launch of a new seating option for passengers involving parachutes. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/04/20220224-WJNZ-BRAND-April-Fools-Day-header-banner-711-x-400.2-002-1.jpg" alt="" width="711" height="400" /> Image: Webjet NZ But, when you go to the <a href="https://www.webjet.co.nz/travel/outdoor-adventure/skydive-seats/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> to find out more, a pop-up appears with the message, “April Fools!” “We asked legal and they said we’d have a lawsuit on our hands if we pushed people out of planes,” the pop-up continues. “If you’re not too upset with us and are still looking for cheap domestic flights, you can search and compare the best deals online.” Images: Webjet NZ / Destination Gold Coast (Facebook)

Domestic Travel

Man charged after dog found tied to cement block underwater

A man has been <a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/news/crime/man-charged-after-dog-found-dead-underwater-in-yowie-bay--c-4211983" target="_blank">arrested</a> and charged after a dog was found dead over the weekend. Police were called to the scene in Yowie Bay, in southern Sydney, at about midday on Saturday after swimmers discovered the two-year-old Belgian Malinois in the water. Officers found that the dog had been tied to a cement block. The dog was taken to a local vet to be examined. After conducting an investigation, police executed a search warrant on Monday evening in Miranda and arrested a 49-year-old man. Items were seized in relation to the investigation, including more than 117 grams of cannabis. As the alleged owner of the dog, he was later charged with three offences, including "torture, beat and cause death of an animal", "commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal" and "possession of a prohibited drug". The man was refused bail and will appear at Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday. Image: Getty Images

Legal

Unveiling the world’s first underwater art sculpture park

The world’s first underwater sculpture park has been unveiled off the coast of Cyprus. The sunken forest by the Museum of Underwater Sculpture in Cyprus (MUSAN) was created by Jason deCaires Taylor, and cost roughly $1.6million to bring to life. The incredible park is made up of 93 sculptures: some of which weigh up to 13 tonnes. With his newest installation, Jason aims to put the spotlight on "rewilding our natural spaces" and "reforesting areas of barren habitat" through the complicated relationship between people and nature. Jason spoke with CNN Travel, and said the installation was inspired by issues the world is currently facing. "I tried to incorporate as many references to climate change and habitat loss and pollution as I could, because those are really the defining issues of our era." He said, "I'm kind of hoping that it leaves the visitor with a sense of hope along with a sense that the human impact isn't always negative. That we can reverse some of the things we've done.” Each of the sculptures was lowered below the surface by cranes, and were placed at such a depth so that the areas may be “enriched” over time by their presence. MUSAN is accessible to divers and snorkellers, and Jason hopes that it will bring more visitors to the marine protected area of Cyprus, which he describes as having "some of the best visibility I've ever been in." Jason is currently working on new installations for Australia's Museum of Underwater Art in Townsville, and northern Queensland on the Great Barrier Reef, which has lost half of its corals over the past two decades. Image credits: Instagram @jasondecairestaylor

Art

Why Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach could soon be underwater

Hawaii’s islands and the iconic Waikiki Beach is under threat due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. State politicians have predicted that Honolulu will start experiencing frequent flooding within the next 15 to 20 years and are working hard to pass legislation that includes a coastline protection program. This program would cost millions of dollars and is aimed at defending the city from regular tidal inundations. The highest tides of recent years have sent seawater flowing across Waikiki Beach and onto roads and footpaths. Naturally, this is an alarming scenario for a state that makes its money from beach tourism. “The latest data on sea level rise is quite scary and it’s accelerating faster than we ever thought possible,” said state Representative Chris Lee, a Democrat and lead author of a bill calling for the creation and implementation of the shoreline protection plan. “The loss of coastal property and infrastructure, increased cost for storm damage and insurance, and loss of life are inevitable if nothing is done, which will add a significant burden to local taxpayers, the state’s economy, and way of life,” says Lee’s bill. The bill proposes sinking $USD4 million ($AUD5.6 million) into the program’s development over the next two years. The push for action comes after a state-mandated sea level rise adaptation report was made public. Research from the report suggested that Hawaii will see a 0.9 metre rise in ocean levels by the end of this century. The research also predicted that more than 6,000 of the state’s buildings and 20,000 people across the islands of Hawaii will experience chronic flooding.

Travel Trouble

10 underwater photos that show the wonder of the ocean

The depths of the sea contain magic and mysteries that only few get to behold first-hand. According to the National Ocean Service in the US, to date we have explored less than five per cent of the ocean. There is much to be learned about the mysteries of the deep and underwater photography gives us a glimpse into the wonder that lies beneath the waters. Scroll through the gallery above to see extraordinary underwater photos. Have you ever been scuba diving? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. Image credit: Matt Doggett

Cruising

Experience the world’s first underwater lounge on this cruise ship

The world’s first underwater lounge will be offered on a Ponant cruise ship. The lounge will include vibrating sofas and a sound system that captures the acoustics of the sea that will allow passengers to have an “immersive sensory experience of the subaquatic world”. The Blue Eye lounge will sit two-to-three meters below water level within the ship’s hull and slightly resembles a villain’s lair. Passengers will able to observe their underwater surroundings through two giant curved portholes (1.6m x 3.4m) while live footage of marine life in the ship’s vicinity will be projected onto digital screens that will “wallpaper” the room. The innovative sound system incorporates hydrophones that will capture noise across a 5km radius of the ship. The “body listening sofas” will vibrate discreetly so passengers can experience the rhythms of the ocean. Guests will be able to observe subaquatic life from decks and balconies of the ships through underwater projectors that have been said to be non-intrusive to the marine biosphere. The new Blue Eye lounge will feature on Ponant’s fleet of four new luxury yachts, the first of which will be launched in 2018. The other two will be launched in 2019. The luxury ships will also include a resistance infinity pool, a sundeck and a three-position marina platform.

Cruising

When it comes to disappearing ocean history, HMAS Perth is the tip of the iceberg

Natali Pearson is a PhD Candidate for Museum and Heritage Studies at the University of Sydney. Millions of shipwrecks and archaeological sites lie under the ocean, including most infamously the <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00908320.2013.750978" target="_blank">Titanic</a>, resting almost four kilometres below the North Atlantic. These relics are just as important as terrestrial sites such as the Egyptian pyramids or the temples of Angkor, and preserve a history of our relationship to the seas. Just like marine ecosystems, this underwater cultural heritage is threatened by climate change, pollution, development, fishing and looting. Indeed just this week, Australian and Indonesian maritime archaeologists reported that HMAS Perth, a World War II wreck lying in the Sunda Strait and the final resting place for hundreds of men, has suffered <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/jun/05/sunken-australian-warship-hmas-perth-ransacked-by-illegal-scavengers" target="_blank">extensive and recent damage</a>. There is now less than half of the ship left. <img width="237" height="316" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40455/hmas-1.jpg" alt="HMAS 1"/> Caption: HMAS Perth memorialised at Sydney’s Garden Island Naval Chapel. Image credit: Natali Pearson. Stories from the sea Humanity’s close relationship with the ocean stretches back thousands of years. Our oceans have provided food, connected civilisations, facilitated trade, travel and conquest, and also served as a sacred place of veneration. It’s estimated that <a href="http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/underwater-cultural-heritage/2001-convention/" target="_blank">three million ancient shipwrecks and sunken cities</a> lie on the ocean floor. These include a <a href="http://acm.org.sg/collections/galleries/tang-shipwreck" target="_blank">9th century shipwreck</a> discovered off <a href="http://acm.org.sg/collections/research/publications/the-tang-shipwreck" target="_blank">Indonesia’s Belitung island</a> in 1998. The ship originated in the Middle East, and its cargo was dominated by commercial quantities of Chinese ceramics. It represents <a href="https://www.asia.si.edu/Shipwrecked/downloads/07Flecker.pdf" target="_blank">some of the earliest evidence</a> of maritime trade between Southeast Asia, the Chinese Tang dynasty and the Middle Eastern Abbasid Empire. Nor are these vestiges of the past restricted to shipwrecks. Archaeologists have discovered <a href="http://www.franckgoddio.org/projects/sunken-civilizations/alexandria.html" target="_blank">evidence of sunken civilisations</a>, buried under silt and sand for centuries. In Egypt, relics of the ancient city of Alexandria include temples, palaces, and the 130-metre <a href="http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/underwater-cultural-heritage/the-heritage/did-you-know/pharos-of-alexandria/" target="_blank">Pharos Lighthouse</a>, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Egyptian authorities now <a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/underwater-museum-egypt-could-bring-thousands-sunken-relics-into-view-180957645/" target="_blank">plan to construct an underwater museum</a> to share these discoveries with a broader audience. Sometimes, the smallest of objects discovered underwater can reveal as much as an entire city. Lost for centuries in waters off Crete, the 2000-year old Antikythera mechanism is known as the <a href="http://www.techrepublic.com/article/2000-year-old-computer-discovered/" target="_blank">world’s first computer</a> for its use of gears and dials to predict eclipses and track moon phases. The same site has also yielded <a href="http://www.nature.com/news/human-skeleton-found-on-famed-antikythera-shipwreck-1.20632" target="_blank">human bones</a>, from which scientists hope to be able to extract genetic information for insights into ancient shipwreck victims. <img width="499" height="445" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40456/hmas-2_499x445.jpg" alt="HMAS 2"/> Caption: The Antikythera mechanism, the world’s first computer, found in waters off Crete. Image credit: Marsyas. <a href="https://archive.org/details/halfmiledown00beeb" target="_blank">Mother-of-pearl inlays</a> - gathered by early breath hold divers and fashioned by artisans - found at a Mesopotamian site indicate that humans have been responding creatively to the ocean’s resources <a href="http://tecvault.t101.ro/NOAA%20Diving%20Manual.pdf" target="_blank">as far back as 4,500 BCE</a>. Underwater heritage is the legacy of these past activities, bearing witness to the development of both ancient and modern civilisations. But the significance of ocean artefacts extends beyond trade, travel and recreation. For example, the study of this heritage can show us the impact of rising sea levels on human life. Such information serves as a sobering reminder of the effects of climate change, and can also help us to <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/news/uc-san-diego-launches-scripps-center-marine-archaeology" target="_blank">develop solutions to the present environmental problems</a> we are facing. Ulrike Guérin from the UNESCO Secretariat of the 2001 <a href="http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/underwater-cultural-heritage/2001-convention/" target="_blank">Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage</a> explains: For 90% of human existence, sea levels have been lower than they are at present. As humans mainly lived close to the water, a large majority of humanity’s development took place on areas that are now submerged. It is only within the past decade that there has been recognition of how important the missing data on the submerged shelf is. Underwater cultural heritage can also help to assess the impact of the ocean on human life, and assist in monitoring issues such as <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-shipwrecks-leaking-oil-20151031-story.html" target="_blank">potential ocean pollution</a> from oil and the threat of <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/12/081210-pacific-shipwrecks-missions.html" target="_blank">unexploded ammunition</a> from WWII shipwrecks. Guérin argues that protecting and researching this heritage can lead to better conservation of coastal and marine areas, with increased economic benefits for <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/topics/sids" target="_blank">small island developing states</a> and <a href="https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category.html" target="_blank">least developed countries</a> through tourism. An ocean without history? Like fish stocks and coral reefs, underwater cultural heritage faces destruction from <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1296207416300334" target="_blank">climate change</a>, <a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/news/sifter/shipwrecks-may-crumble-faster-after-oil-spills" target="_blank">marine pollution</a> and <a href="https://explorers.org/pdf/Damien_Leloup_Unearthing_History_in_Porcelain__Flag_132_Dec2013.pdf" target="_blank">over-development</a>. Industrial activities like fishing are becoming a greater concern. Commercial <a href="http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080307/full/news.2008.658.html" target="_blank">deep-sea fishing trawlers</a> destroy not only fishing stocks but also well-preserved wrecks. These bottom trawl nets act like ploughs, digging up the ocean bed and tearing archaeological sites apart. In the <a href="http://badewanne.fi/ghost-nets/" target="_blank">Baltic Sea</a>, thousands of synthetic fishing nets are lost every year. These <a href="https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/publications-files/Ghostfishing_DFG.pdf" target="_blank">“ghost nets”</a> get tangled in wrecks, trapping fish and seals in the process. In Southeast Asia, historic shipwrecks in both Malaysia and Thailand face destruction from <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=jr81DgAAQBAJ&pg=PA15&lpg=PA15&dq=Wrecked+twice+:+shipwrecks+as+a+cultural+resource+in+Southeast+Asia+/+Michael+Flecker&source=bl&ots=OFPlfA5Duu&sig=HW75N8uCtDdC9CDRNal3_qA2S50&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjL1rS-953UAhWSQpQKHRuyCo4Q6AEINzAE#v=onepage&q=Wrecked%20twice%20%3A%20shipwrecks%20as%20a%20cultural%20resource%20in%20Southeast%20Asia%20%2F%20Michael%20Flecker&f=false" target="_blank">“massive trawl nets that scour every metre of the seabed”</a>. Just as fishing stocks are targeted by illegal poachers, so too is underwater heritage threatened by illegal salvaging and looting. The recent unauthorized disturbance of three near-pristine Japanese shipwrecks in Malaysian waters has destroyed the thriving marine ecosystems that such wrecks support. The damage caused to these <a href="http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-much-of-human-history-is-on-the-bottom-of-the-ocean-peter-campbell" target="_blank">underwater museums</a> has had a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/09/images-reveal-three-more-japanese-wwii-shipwrecks-torn-apart-for-scrap" target="_blank">devastating impact</a> on local diving companies and small-scale fishermen. In Indonesia, these illicit activities appear to be becoming <a href="https://theconversation.com/ghost-ships-why-are-world-war-ii-naval-wrecks-vanishing-in-indonesia-72799" target="_blank">increasingly sophisticated and audacious</a>, including the most recent damage to HMAS Perth. Heritage in the margins Despite its importance, underwater cultural heritage remains a relatively new concept, and tends to be overshadowed by other legal and policy priorities. At this week’s UN oceans conference in New York, plenary meetings are focusing on reducing marine pollution, protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, and addressing ocean acidification. Underwater cultural heritage, meanwhile, was discussed in a <a href="https://oceanconference.un.org/index.php?page=view&type=20000&nr=1319&menu=3327" target="_blank">side event</a> held in the margins. The 2001 underwater heritage convention establishes basic principles for protecting these sites, but faces a number of challenges. Only 56 nations have <a href="http://www.unesco.org/eri/la/convention.asp?KO=13520&language=E&order=alpha">signed or ratified the convention</a>, and big maritime nations such as the US, China, and the UK have not. Australia has not ratified, but introduced <a href="http://www.joshfrydenberg.com.au/guest/mediaReleasesDetails.aspx?id=288" target="_blank">new underwater cultural heritage legislation</a> in November 2016 that brings this step closer. The heritage convention also faces the problem of perceived competition with the <a href="http://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_overview_convention.htm" target="_blank">Law of the Sea</a>, which sets the rules for how the oceans are shared and governed. And what of HMAS Perth? In a strange twist of history, in the 1970s the Australian Embassy in Jakarta became aware that the bell of the ship had turned up in an Indonesian salvage yard. The embassy successfully negotiated the bell’s exchange, and it is now held in the <a href="https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL/07771/" target="_blank">Australian War Memorial</a>: a small piece of history saved through cultural diplomacy. <img width="237" height="463" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40467/hmas-3.jpg" alt="HMAS 3"/> Caption:The bell of HMAS Perth is returned to the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, in the mid-1970s. Image credit: Bob Morrison. Underwater cultural heritage is an essential part of our oceans and the way we relate to them. As important as it is to ensure a sustainable future for our oceans, it is also vital that we understand humanity’s historical relationship with them. Our future is invested in our oceans, and so is our past. Written by Natali Pearson. First appeared on <a href="http://www.theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation.</a> Hero Image credit: navy.gov.au

Cruising

See the world’s first ever underwater cruise ship lounge

There’s nothing like cruising the high seas, but have you ever dreamed of getting a little more up close and personal with the world’s oceans? Now you can, thanks to a gorgeous innovation by French cruise company Ponant, which has created the first ever underwater lounge. <img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/37915/image__497x280.jpg" alt="Image_ (338)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Dubbed the “Blue Eye,” the lounge is a stunning, ultra-modern place for passengers to kick back with a view that few get to see. It features two massive whale eye-esque portholes that provide sweeping views of the ocean’s depths. There are also cameras, surround sound and digital screens to project live images of the deep blue around them. The lounge will be rolled out to four of the line’s Explorer ships – Le Bougainville, Le Dumont-d'Urville, Le Lapérouse and Le Champlain. The newly-designed yachts will set out to sea next year and in 2019, taking passengers to smaller, hard-to-reach ports and offering once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences and tours from your very own on-board nature experts. What do you think of the new design? Would you be interested in kicking back under the sea? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Cruising

Daredevil ice-skates above frozen underwater prison

Once a compound of violence and hardship, an old Soviet jail in Estonia is now seen in beautiful and serene light, in stunning footage released by daredevil travellers. Alari Teede and Meelis Vosu shared a breathtaking video of them ice-skating over an abandoned prison submerged in a frozen lake in northern Estonia. The video, shot on December 30, shows him gliding across the ice rink among dilapidated buildings. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34394/ice-skating-in-text_498x245.jpg" alt="Ice -skating -in -text"/> "The water/ice was so clean that you could see everything underneath your feet," he said. "As well parts of [the] old prison, [there were] fishes and landscape underwater." The ice "was about 3-7cm thin and water [was] pretty deep so if you go there better have some safety gear with you", he added. In its yesteryear, Rummu prison housed inmates who were forced to work in a nearby quarry. The jail has long since been abandoned and flooded, and attracts daredevils from around the world for a spot of summer diving or winter skating. Have you ever had an adventurous travel experience? First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Image credit: Newsflare/<a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/">Stuff.co.nz</a>

International Travel

World’s first underwater lounge on a cruise ship

Cruising is one of the fastest growing travel sectors at the moment and many cruise lines are looking to offer new, innovative experiences to entice passengers. But this new one from cruise line Ponant is a bit special. The French cruise line, which specialises in expedition-style adventure cruises, is set to launch a range of new vessels that have been outfitted with subaquatic lounges for passengers. This means people cruising with Ponant will be able to enjoy a drink (or two) under the waves, while catching a glimpse of the passing ocean life! The subaquatic lounges will be fitted on all the new vessels set to join Ponant’s fleet, with the first one expected to start sailing as early as 2018. Telegraph cruise editor Teresa Machan said this is a reflection on recent trends in the cruising in industry which has seen lines get creative in expanding their offerings. Mr Machan said, “This is the latest in a raft of exciting developments for cruisers. Passengers will soon have access to purpose-built submarines, on-board amenities akin to those found on a luxury yacht and the ability to cruise to some of the most exciting destinations on the planet." The new seven-deck ships are set to be something special. Only accommodating around 184 guests, these cruise ships are diminutive in size and svelte in shape, to help access different cruise experiences by navigating tighter passages and coastline spots. In addition to being able to view some of the ocean’s most spectacular marine life over a gin and tonic, passengers will also have access to an infinity pool, sundeck and scuba facilities. The 92 staterooms are set to be something else as well, offering passengers their own private balconies to view the extraordinary locations this line will visit. Ponant’s vessels will be servicing destinations as diverse as the Great Lakes, Panama Canal, Amazon, Baltic Sea, Indian Ocean, Great Barrier Reef and the Mediterranean. To find out more about this cruise line, click here. How do you feel about these new underwater lounges? What’s the favourite experience you’ve ever had on a cruise ship? Share your story in the comments! Related links: <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/05/historic-rusting-ocean-liner-could-be-restored-to-luxury/">Historic rusting ocean liner could be restored to luxury</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/05/new-zealand-by-a-cruise-ship/">Wine, wonder and Lord of the Rings – New Zealand by cruise ship</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/05/woman-sells-everything-to-become-permanent-cruise-ship-resident/">Woman sells everything to become permanent cruise ship resident</a>

Cruising

Cruise lines to offer private submarines

Cruise holidays just got a whole lot deeper. A new range of private submarines have been launched, which allow tourists to venture deep under water. U-Boat Worx has launched three new "luxury" submarine models, with some capable of diving to 1,140 metres - making them the deepest-diving tourist submersibles ever. The vessels can carry up to nine people per dive. The Netherlands-based submersible manufacturer says it is seeing increased demand from the industry, after the first success stories of submersibles operated from luxury Cruise Ships like The Taipan from Star Cruises and the Crystal Esprit. "Our operations on cruise ships inspired the development of the Cruise Sub series," says Bert Houtman, founder and chairman. "Whether the operator focuses on exclusive deep sea exploration in remote destinations or on doing numerous subsea excursions on coral reefs, the Cruise Subs are optimised for maximising the guest experience." <img width="500" height="278" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/21697/cruise-line-submarine-2_500x278.jpg" alt="Cruise Line Submarine 2"/> The interior can revolve so passengers get a panoramic view, and the battery-powered subs can be operated non-stop for up to 12 hours, the company said. Going underwater could be the next big thing in cruising - last year a company announced that it will begin offering submarine tours of the Titanic wreck. The tour takes in the ship's famous grand staircase, the ship's huge anchors and the Marconi Room. "We have sent over 40 people down and they have been housewives to technology billionaires, the Titanic really does capture the minds of a wide crowd," director of Bluefish, Steve Sims, said last year. "More people have been into space than set eyes on the Titanic." What do you think about these “luxury” submarine models? Do you think you’d be compelled to go try them out if you found yourself on a cruise that offered them? Please let us know in the comments below. Image credit: U-Boat Worx First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/05/woman-sells-everything-to-become-permanent-cruise-ship-resident/">Woman sells everything to become permanent cruise ship resident</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/04/cheaper-to-cruise-than-live-in-london/">It’s cheaper to live on a cruise ship than in London</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/04/titanic-compared-to-modern-day-cruise-ships/">The Titanic compared to modern day cruise ships</a>

Cruising

Tugboat pushed underwater by cruise ship

When we’re on a cruise, sitting in a deckchair, pigging out at the buffet table or relaxing in our cabin it can be difficult to remember the sheer power of the machinery required to transport thousands of people around the world in consummate style. But we bet the guy who owns this tugboat won’t be forgetting any time soon! In this video above a tugboat is completely submerged by the Norwegian Escape during her conveyance from the shipyard. In the cruise industry, conveyance, as you may remember from <a href="/news/news/2016/03/newest-cruise-ship-set-for-aussie-waters/" target="_blank">this article</a>, is a process undertaken by ships constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. After the ship is complete it will make a trip backwards down the River Ems to get to the North Sea. But, as you can see from the above video, you don't want to be on the tugboat that gets in the cruise liners way between the shipyard and the open ocean! Related links: <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/04/princess-cruises-husky-puppy-program/">Princess Cruises husky puppy program</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/04/new-shore-excursions-for-royal-caribbean-cruises/">New shore excursions for Royal Caribbean cruises</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/04/10-river-cruise-ports-you-must-experience/">10 river cruise ports you must experience</a>

Cruising

5 “new” Apostles discovered underwater

Yet another reason to do the Great Ocean Road in Australia has emerged. Five new limestone columns near the world famous 12 Apostles in Victoria have been discovered, hidden 50 metres beneath the water’s surface. The “drowned apostles” are located six kilometres offshore. Their over water siblings have an average height of 45 metres, which towers over the new additions, who stand at just 5 metres tall. The find has amazed geomorphologists because it’s the first time such submerged limestone stacks have been seen anywhere in the world. Melbourne University geomorphologist David Kennedy says the columns were likely preserved because the sea rose so quickly after the last ice age. “It probably ran straight across the top of these things without managing to erode them away and knock them over,” Associate Professor Kennedy told AAP. University of Melbourne PhD candidate Rhiannon Bezore, who made the initial discovery in the sonar data, touted the relevance of the rising sea level. "The main factor is that through the past geological changes they've been through, the sea level rise has occurred at such a fast pace," she said. Sacks occur in the rare instance when a rock is soft enough to erode from a cliff, but also strong enough to support a pillar. Like the other apostles, the newly discovered, submerged stacks were once part of a larger limestone sea cliff dating back 60,000 years. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/tips-for-handling-flight-delays/">5 tips for dealing with flight delays</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/photo-shows-german-shepherd-enjoying-flight/">German Shepherd really enjoys plane ride</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/02/tips-for-travelling-with-people-that-get-on-your-nerves/">Tips for travelling with people that get on your nerves</a>

News

Photographer captures photos of cutest underwater creature ever

On a scuba diving trip in Bali, one lucky amateur photographer discovered an underwater creature that’s almost too cute to be real. The bovine-esque sea slug has bright green tentacle-like obtrusions on its back, tipped pink and tiny black eyes. Combined with its black “horns” and pink would-be nostrils, this cute slug resembles Ermintrude, a fictional cow in children’s television show, Magical Roundabout. <img width="498" height="330" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8070/2b39201f00000578-0-image-m-6_1439146565184_498x330.jpg" alt="2B39201F00000578-0-image -m -6_1439146565184" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="499" height="354" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8071/2b39203f00000578-0-image-m-3_1439146548752_499x354.jpg" alt="2B39203F00000578-0-image -m -3_1439146548752" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8072/2b391f8400000578-0-image-m-12_1439146606101_500x333.jpg" alt="2B391F8400000578-0-image -m -12_1439146606101" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="343" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8073/2b391fda00000578-0-image-m-9_1439146584882_500x343.jpg" alt="2B391FDA00000578-0-image -m -9_1439146584882" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="330" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8074/2b391f6a00000578-0-image-m-15_1439146625352_500x330.jpg" alt="2B391F6A00000578-0-image -m -15_1439146625352" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="319" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8075/2b391f2000000578-0-image-m-18_1439146641482_500x319.jpg" alt="2B391F2000000578-0-image -m -18_1439146641482" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="496" height="270" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8076/005850b400000258-3191501-image-a-38_1439150156480_496x270.jpg" alt="005850B400000258-3191501-image -a -38_1439150156480" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Ermintrude Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/08/stop-batter-splatter/">The easy trick to stop making a mess when making a cake</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/08/dog-does-housework/">Watch this dog doing the housework</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/08/aphrodisiac-study/">Scientists discover which “aphrodisiacs" actually work</a>

News

Stunning underwater photos capture “A Parallel Universe”

In his series “A Parallel Universe”, photographer Matty Smith ventures beneath the surface of the water to capture the diverse life lurking just below. His photos include such animals as eels, sharks and crocs. “I think it’s the suspense of the unknown of what lies beneath, the transitional part of moving from one element to the next that feels so magical and the thought of what alien creatures I might encounter,” he says. “That is what draws me to taking half over half underwater images. It’s maybe the best way I can communicate to a non-diver what it’s all about, to marry a wet and unfamiliar world with a dry and more familiar one.” <img width="493" height="493" src="http://cdn0.lostateminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Half-underwater-photos-show-the-aquatic-life-hiding-beneath-the-water%E2%80%99s-surface2-650x650.jpg" alt="Half-underwater photos show the aquatic life hiding beneath the water’s surface"/> <img width="491" height="327" src="http://cdn0.lostateminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Half-underwater-photos-show-the-aquatic-life-hiding-beneath-the-water%E2%80%99s-surface3-650x433.jpg" alt="Half-underwater photos show the aquatic life hiding beneath the water’s surface"/> <img width="491" height="536" src="http://cdn0.lostateminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Half-underwater-photos-show-the-aquatic-life-hiding-beneath-the-water%E2%80%99s-surface4-650x709.jpg" alt="Half-underwater photos show the aquatic life hiding beneath the water’s surface"/> <img width="489" height="473" src="http://cdn0.lostateminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Half-underwater-photos-show-the-aquatic-life-hiding-beneath-the-water%E2%80%99s-surface5-650x629.jpg" alt="Half-underwater photos show the aquatic life hiding beneath the water’s surface"/> <img width="488" height="325" src="http://cdn0.lostateminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Half-underwater-photos-show-the-aquatic-life-hiding-beneath-the-water%E2%80%99s-surface8-650x433.jpg" alt="Half-underwater photos show the aquatic life hiding beneath the water’s surface"/> <img width="486" height="356" src="http://cdn0.lostateminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Half-underwater-photos-show-the-aquatic-life-hiding-beneath-the-water%E2%80%99s-surface10-650x476.jpg" alt="Half-underwater photos show the aquatic life hiding beneath the water’s surface"/> <img width="490" height="326" src="http://cdn0.lostateminor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Half-underwater-photos-show-the-aquatic-life-hiding-beneath-the-water%E2%80%99s-surface11-650x433.jpg" alt="Half-underwater photos show the aquatic life hiding beneath the water’s surface"/> Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/06/intricate-paper-designs/">Intricate works of art created from a single piece of paper</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/06/cat-shuts-door/">Moody cat slams door on pet siblings</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/06/sad-animal-facts-illustration/">These "sad" animal facts are illustrated in the cutest way</a>

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World’s first underwater lounge on a cruise ship

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Tugboat pushed underwater by cruise ship

5 “new” Apostles discovered underwater

Photographer captures photos of cutest underwater creature ever

Stunning underwater photos capture “A Parallel Universe”

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