In the Pacific Ocean, near New Zealand, lies one of the deepest places on Earth. The Kermadec Trench stretches more than 10km down under the sea.
Few people have been there. But last month, an international science team explored the trench for the first time.
"Chinese and New Zealand scientists are both excited to have this opportunity," says mission leader Peng Xiaotong.
The special vessel that took the scientists down into the trench was the Fendouzhe (in the photo). It holds three people and can dive very deep.
It took them about three hours to descend to 9,110 metres below sea level. The team saw strange and rarely seen sea creatures. Peng collected rock samples.
"We were all thrilled. It was a cool opportunity because it's not easy to go down there and get samples," says Daniel Leduc, one of the other scientists.


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