In October 1959, after being fitted with a stronger pressure sphere, Trieste was transported to the mid-Pacific to participate in Project "Nekton", in which she conducted a series of very deep dives in the Marianas Trench. On 23 January 1960, she reached a record depth of 35,800 feet in the Challenger Deep, off Guam, the deepest point in any of the World's oceans.

This page features views of Trieste in 1959-60, during Project "Nekton".

For other views of Trieste
Trieste (1958-1963) cover page
Trieste after 1960

Click photograph for a larger image.

Photo #: NH 96799 U.S. Navy Bathyscaphe Trieste (1958-1963) Is hoisted from the water by a floating crane, during testing by the Naval Electronics Laboratory in the San Diego, California, area. Trieste was being prepared for transportation to the Marianas Islands for a three-month series of deep-submergence operations. On 2 October 1959, she was loaded on the frieghter Santa Maria for the trip to the mid-Pacific. U.S. NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 77KB; 740 x 615
Photo #: NH 96797 U.S. Navy Bathyscaphe Trieste (1958-1963) Just before her record dive to the bottom of the Marianas Trench, 23 January 1960. The dive, to a depth of 35,800 feet in the Challenger Deep, off Guam, was made with Lieutenant Don Walsh, USN, and Swiss scientist Jacques Piccard on board. Waves were about five to six feet high when the two men boarded Trieste from the rubber raft seen at left. USS Lewis (DE-535) is steaming by in the background. U.S. NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 78KB; 740 x 615
Photo #: NH 96804 U.S. Navy Bathyscaphe Trieste (1958-1963) Jacques Piccard (right), co-designer of the bathyscaphe, and Ernest Virgil loading iron shot ballast into Trieste, prior to her record 18,600 foot descent in in the Marianas Trench, off Guam. The dive was made on 15 November 1959. Photo was released for publication on 28 November 1959. U.S. NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 107KB; 740 x 615
Photo #: NH 96802 U.S. Navy Bathyscaphe Trieste (1958-1963) Jacques Piccard, co-designer of the bathyscaphe, and his assistants make final checks aboard her, prior to Trieste's first deep dive in the Marianas Trench. On 15 November 1959, off Guam, she dove to 18,600 feet, breaking the previous record of 13,000 feet. USS Wandank (ATA-204) is in the distance, apparently towing the bathyscaphe. Navigation bouy on right indicates that the photo may have been taken as Trieste left port to make the dive. Photo was released from publication on 28 November 1959. U.S. NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 102KB; 740 x 610
Photo #: NH 96807 U.S. Navy Bathyscaphe Trieste (1958-1963) General arrangement drawing, showing the bathyscaphe's main features. Drawing was released in connection with Trieste's record dive to 35,800 feet in the Challenger Deep, off Guam, on 23 January 1960. U.S. NHHC Photograph. Online Image: 58KB; 740 x 525

For higher resolution images see: Obtaining Photographic Reproductions