First-ever footage captured of a live colossal squid

In a historic breakthrough, scientists aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s R/V Falkor have captured the first-ever footage of a live colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) in its natural habitat. Filmed at 600 meters deep near the South Sandwich Islands, the 30 cm juvenile was recorded using the ROV SuBastian - exactly 100 years after the species was first identified. This discovery, part of the Ocean Census initiative, involved collaboration with the Nippon Foundation, Nekton, University of Plymouth, GEOMAR, and British Antarctic Survey. The footage provides rare insight into one of the ocean’s most elusive species and highlights the power of deep-sea technology and international cooperation in advancing marine science and conservation.