Introducing Herbert Nitsch — the deepest man on earth
Herbert Nitsch is the current freediving world record champion and “the deepest man on earth”. This prestigious title was given to him, when he then set the world record for freediving at an incredible depth of 214 meters in 2007 (no limits). This year, on June 6th, Herbert surpassed his own record with a dive to 249 meters (800 feet), but suffered from decompression sickness. So far Herbert has set 32 world records in all of the 8 recognized disciplines and can hold his breath for more than 9 minutes – unrivalled achievements in the freediving history.
Unlike other elite freediver´s Herbert is self-taught. He is a pioneer in every way. The highest security level, detailed planning and analyzing always is ahead of every dive. He was working as pilot for Austrian Airlines Group, check-lists and worst case scenarios were on his daily schedule. This highly security related and risk avoiding attitude helps him and to achieve his ambitious goals within freediving. Furthermore he is keen about every technical detail of his equipment.
We would like also to communicate further information about the dive. Herbert did reach the planned depth of 244m/800ft and even a bit more to set the mark at 249 meters/820 feet. More depth gauges were used than on any other record attempts. Not all made it below 200 meters, but four of them from the same manufacturer provided accurate readings. Further devices monitored by an oceanic physicist have recorded data with a great sampling rate and precision: it confirms a depth between 249 and 250 meters. The rope was checked again after the dive and backs-up the readings. The difference can be accounted for by the dynamic extension of the rope acting as an absorber when the sled reaches the bottom.