OceanX research vessel expedition - in pictures

  • A bramble shark off the UAE's east coast. Photo: OceanX
    A bramble shark off the UAE's east coast. Photo: OceanX
  • Bramble sharks are quiet creatures. Photo: OceanX
    Bramble sharks are quiet creatures. Photo: OceanX
  • OceanX has a submersible craft that allows researchers to undertake complex deep-sea missions. Photo: OceanX
    OceanX has a submersible craft that allows researchers to undertake complex deep-sea missions. Photo: OceanX
  • The New York University Abu Dhabi team descend to a reef. Photo: OceanX
    The New York University Abu Dhabi team descend to a reef. Photo: OceanX
  • The OceanX vessel, formally called the OceanXplorer, off the UAE's coast in December. Photo: Rebekka Pentti
    The OceanX vessel, formally called the OceanXplorer, off the UAE's coast in December. Photo: Rebekka Pentti
  • John Burt, an associate professor at NYUAD. Victor Besa / The National
    John Burt, an associate professor at NYUAD. Victor Besa / The National
  • The OceanX vessel also has a remotely operated vehicle. Photo: Rebekka Pentti
    The OceanX vessel also has a remotely operated vehicle. Photo: Rebekka Pentti
  • Inside mission control of the remotely operated vehicle. Photo: B Rivoira
    Inside mission control of the remotely operated vehicle. Photo: B Rivoira
  • A long-headed spiny lobster found during the mission. Photo: OceanX
    A long-headed spiny lobster found during the mission. Photo: OceanX
  • A sea urchin found in the depths. Photo: OceanX
    A sea urchin found in the depths. Photo: OceanX
  • Hard coral from the family Dendrophylliidae. Photo: OceanX
    Hard coral from the family Dendrophylliidae. Photo: OceanX
  • A basket star, which is an invertebrate with twisting and turning arms, was also noted. Photo: OceanX
    A basket star, which is an invertebrate with twisting and turning arms, was also noted. Photo: OceanX
  • A cuttlefish egg, attached to a branch of gorgonian. Photo: OceanX
    A cuttlefish egg, attached to a branch of gorgonian. Photo: OceanX
  • Fossilised mangrove roots found during the expedition. Photo: Rebekka Pentti
    Fossilised mangrove roots found during the expedition. Photo: Rebekka Pentti
  • The OceanX vessel docked in Dubai in 2023. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The OceanX vessel docked in Dubai in 2023. Chris Whiteoak / The National