Researchers’ Life in Chinese Deep-sea Explorer Ship ‘Zhang Jian’

Photo taken on July 15, 2016 shows the lifeboat on the “Zhang Jian”, a Chinese deep-sea explorer ship.

Li Tao, staff member of the “Zhang Jian”, a Chinese deep-sea explorer ship, patrols in the engine room on the ship, July 15, 2016.

Staff members of the “Zhang Jian”, a Chinese deep-sea explorer ship, work at the engine control room on the ship, July 15, 2016.

Photo taken on July 15, 2016 shows the hanger on the “Zhang Jian”, a Chinese deep-sea explorer ship.

Photo taken on July 15, 2016 shows the living area of the “Zhang Jian”, a Chinese deep-sea explorer ship.

Liu Dongsheng (front), staff member of the “Zhang Jian”, a Chinese deep-sea explorer ship, stays on duty at the engine control room on the ship, July 15, 2016.

Wang Jiquan, staff member of the “Zhang Jian”, a Chinese deep-sea explorer ship, works at the engine room on the ship, July 15, 2016.

Chef Bo Weiju, staff member of the “Zhang Jian”, a Chinese deep-sea explorer ship, prepares dinner at a kitchen on the ship, July 15, 2016.

Photo taken on July 15, 2016 shows a hangar of the “Zhang Jian”, a Chinese deep-sea explorer ship.

Chef Yang Hongzhong, staff member of the “Zhang Jian”, a Chinese deep-sea explorer ship, cooks at a kitchen on the ship, July 15, 2016.

Zhang Jian, 97 meters long and 17.8 meters wide, set sail on July 12 from Shanghai to the South Pacific for scientific research. It’s the mother ship of the 11,000-meter Rainbow Fish submersible, which Chinese researchers are preparing to send to the Mariana Trench late this year or early next year.