Thanks to The New York Times

So, besides being a groundbreaking director it turns out James Cameron has set a world record.

That funky looking submersible shown above broke Japan’s global record for deepest manned decent  four miles). Cameron dove five miles, on his practice run. He and his team are gearing up to journey down 6.8 miles to the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

For those of you who don’t feel like clicking the link; the Mariana Trench is the deepest part section of ocean. Challenger Deep, where Cameron is hoping to touch down, is the deepest part of the trench. To give you non-ocean lovers a perspective; 20 people have walked on the moon, no man has ever been to the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

A description of the submersible and its history can be found here.