Staff member Gao Xiang ties a rope on China's manned submersible Jiaolong in the South China Sea, South China, July 10, 2013. The Jiaolong manned submersible on Wednesday carried out the last scientific dive to explore the geology and environment of the sea area. Photo: Xinhua

China's manned submersible Jiaolong dives into the South China Sea, South China, July 10, 2013. The Jiaolong manned submersible on Wednesday carried out the last scientific dive to explore the geology and environment of the sea area. Photo: Xinhua

China's manned submersible Jiaolong is hoisted by its support ship Xiangyanghong 09 in the South China Sea, South China, July 10, 2013. The Jiaolong manned submersible on Wednesday carried out the last scientific dive to explore the geology and environment of the sea area. Photo: Xinhua

China's manned submersible Jiaolong dives into the South China Sea, South China, July 10, 2013. The Jiaolong manned submersible on Wednesday carried out the last scientific dive to explore the geology and environment of the sea area. Photo: Xinhua