Scientists Begin Exploring Indian Ocean Depths in Seychelles

Sun rises near the tiny atoll of Alphonse where scientists onboard the Ocean Zephyr began exploring the depths of the Indian Ocean, Thursday March 7, 2019. The expedition is led by the Britain-based Nekton, an independent, non-profit research institute that works with the University of Oxford to increase scientific understanding of the oceans. AP Photo/David Keyton

ALPHONSE ATOLL, Seychelles—An unprecedented mission to explore the Indian Ocean and document changes taking place beneath the waves began its research on March 7, in the Seychelles waters.

The British-led Nekton Mission arrived off the tiny atoll of Alphonse in the early morning hours, after looming bad weather forced a change of plan and of route.