Footage released of four Nautilus found alive in last dive of 2024    

The last dive of 2024 by the ROV Hercules, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) used for deep sea exploration, was certainly memorable. On this final dive, the team witnessed four live Nautilus (Nautilus belauensis) in Palau’s German Channel. 

This sighting marks the first time in over 15 years of operations and more than 1,000 ROV dives that live nautiloids have been recorded by the Nautilus team (not to be confused with The Nautilus Newspaper from Texas A&M University Galveston).

This marine mollusk is hardly ever photographed, let alone caught on video. To catch a glimpse of not just one but four of these mesmerizing creatures in a single dive is truly remarkable.

Nautili are typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, around deep reef slopes roughly 700 meters down. These deep habitats are difficult to explore, which makes obtaining documentation like this rare. 

It was a jaw-dropping moment, not just for the team onboard witnessing it firsthand, but for deep-sea enthusiasts and marine biologists around the world.

Though the average viewer might not immediately grasp the significance of the footage gathered of these deep-sea mollusks, it is a safe bet to say that for all, it was a powerful symbol of the unknown beauty that still dwells in the deepest parts of our world.

You can witness this rare encounter yourself by watching the footage on the E/V Nautilus YouTube channel, where the video captures the moment in shocking clarity. It’s a mesmerizing reminder of how much mystery still lies hidden in the deep sea.

And of course, here at The Nautilus, the sighting holds an extra special place in our hearts. After all, this beautiful creature is our namesake, and we could not be more proud as marine biologists ourselves.

Cheers to the wonders that still await in the depths of this world and to the curiosity that keeps us all diving.