Yes, some types of whales can go deeper than many types of submarines, particularly military submarines. However, highly specialized deep-sea submersibles are built to descend far beyond the limits of even the deepest-diving whales.
Based on available information from October 2021:
- The deepest recorded dive for a military submarine was 850 metres.
- A sperm whale is known to be able to swim down to depths of 2250 metres.
This shows that a sperm whale can dive significantly deeper than the deepest military submarines.
However, the reference also points out that purpose-built deep-sea submarines designed for extreme exploration, such as those used to reach the Mariana Trench's Challenger Deep, can indeed surpass the diving capabilities of a sperm whale. These specialized vessels are engineering marvels comparable in significance to the Moon Landing.
Here is a quick comparison based on the provided information:
| Vehicle/Animal | Maximum Depth (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deepest Military Sub | 850 metres | Recorded deepest dive |
| Sperm Whale | 2250 metres | Remarkable natural diving ability |
| Purpose-Built Deep Sub | Far greater than 2250m | Designed for extreme depths (e.g., Trench) |
In conclusion, while a sperm whale possesses an incredible natural ability to dive far deeper than standard military submarines, specialized deep-sea submersibles built for extreme exploration can reach depths unattainable by any whale.
