A Croatian freediver held his breath underwater for 29 minutes and 3 seconds, setting a Guinness World Record. This is about 5 minutes longer than the previous world record. This is double the dive time of a large dolphin and comparable to the dive time of a spotted seal.
According to local media Croatia Week and scientific media Science Alert, on June 14 of this year, Croatian freediver Vitomir Maricic did not come out of the water for 29 minutes and 3 seconds in a 3-meter deep pool at a hotel in Opatija, Croatia.
On-site, five judges monitored him to ensure he met the Guinness World Record criteria. About 100 spectators also confirmed his record from the hotel lobby.
Before holding his breath underwater, he used an oxygen tank for about 10 minutes to inhale pure oxygen. This process allowed oxygen to dissolve into his plasma (the liquid component of blood excluding red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). His red blood cells were also filled with oxygen. Red blood cells carry oxygen to various organs in our bodies.
Media pointed out that without going through this process, Maricic would not have been able to hold out for about 30 minutes underwater.
The safe breath-holding time for most people is only about 8 minutes, and Daily Mail in the UK noted that the technique Maricic received is used in medical settings to extend the breath-holding time of unconscious patients.
Maricic started his challenge while supplying about five times more oxygen than normal and set a world record. Maricic's record of 29 minutes and 3 seconds is about 5 minutes longer than the previous world record of 24 minutes and 37 seconds.
Maricic's breath-holding record without the assistance of an oxygen tank is 10 minutes and 8 seconds.
After coming out of the water, Maricic expressed gratitude, saying, "Every record or achievement involves tremendous teamwork and support from family and friends."
He also said, "Today's diving was very challenging for me," but noted, "Somehow, everything went well. After 20 minutes, at least mentally, everything became easier."