OceanX expedition has unveiled stunning deep-sea discoveries around Africa’s coastline during its recent stop in Cape Town, marking a significant milestone in marine exploration. The pioneering “Around Africa Expedition,” a collaboration between OceanX and OceanQuest, docked in the Mother City on 26 February, bringing with it remarkable findings from the continent’s vast and largely unexplored waters.
Since embarking on 30 January, the expedition has achieved a historic first: the exploration of a previously known but untouched seamount south of Walter’s Shoal along the Madagascar Ridge. Using a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), researchers conducted the first-ever visual survey of this deep-sea ecosystem, revealing an underwater world teeming with corals, sponges and species never before documented in this region.
“Arriving in Cape Town marks an exciting milestone for the ‘Around Africa Expedition’,” said Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer at OceanX. “This city, with its deep maritime heritage and dedication to ocean science, provides the perfect backdrop to present our discoveries and collaborate with Africa’s brightest marine scientists.”
The journey to Cape Town was packed with intensive scientific work, beginning with hydroacoustic mapping in Madagascar’s Exclusive Economic Zone. This advanced sonar technology created detailed images of the ocean floor, contributing invaluable data on underwater landscapes that were previously blank spots on marine maps.
The first comprehensive dive expedition at Walter’s Shoal revealed fascinating geological formations alongside a rich tapestry of marine biodiversity. Video surveys documented carbonate pebbles, deep-sea corals and remarkable species including Brisingid sea stars, a chimaera, a dumbo octopus, and a moray eel nestled within rocky crevices. The team was particularly excited by the sighting of two kitefin sharks during another dive on the north aspect of the seamount.
South African marine scientist Lara Atkinson, who participated in the expedition aboard OceanXplorer, described the experience as extraordinary. “Descending 500 metres into the deep and seeing the seafloor unfold before my eyes was surreal — like exploring an underwater fynbos landscape of the Western Cape,” she said. “Watching a large octopus ‘play catch’ with the submersible’s lasers was a fascinating display of intelligence.”
Atkinson also highlighted the expedition’s commitment to nurturing future ocean scientists. “Equally rewarding was welcoming early-career researchers from six African countries aboard the OceanXplorer, many of whom had never ventured beyond coastal waters. Seeing them engage with deep-sea science firsthand has been incredibly fulfilling, as they return to their home countries not just as scientists, but as ambassadors for ocean exploration and conservation.”
Beyond scientific discovery, the expedition has forged meaningful partnerships with key South African institutions, including the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the National Research Foundation – South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, and the University of Cape Town. These collaborations aim to advance ocean research and conservation efforts throughout the continent.
The expedition’s stopover in Cape Town also featured a Blue Talks event hosted aboard OceanXplorer on 25 February, organised in partnership with the French Embassy. This high-level discussion brought together policymakers, scientists and industry leaders to address ocean protection and sustainable blue economy initiatives ahead of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference scheduled for June in Nice, France.
D.R. Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest, emphasised the untapped potential of Africa’s oceans. “Africa’s oceans hold untapped scientific potential, with vast ecologically significant marine ecosystems still waiting to be explored. Our collaborations and partnerships aimed to enhance scientific understanding and develop a lasting framework for ocean research across the continent,” he noted. “Through deep-sea exploration, cutting-edge data collection, and capacity building programmes, we are empowering African scientists with the tools and knowledge needed to lead the next generation of marine discovery and conservation.”
Education remains a core focus of the expedition. During their time in Cape Town, OceanX and OceanQuest hosted guided tours of the OceanXplorer for local students, educators and researchers, providing hands-on exposure to marine science and ocean storytelling. Additionally, 14 new Young Explorers will embark from Cape Town as part of a programme designed to nurture emerging talent in ocean-related fields.