At noon, an expedition fleet of the Metropoliya carrier barge and the Akademik (Academician) Koptyug ship of the Limnology Institute of the Siberian Branch of the Russia Academy of Sciences stands frozen in anticipation of its maiden voyage, which will take it to its first submersion site.  But first, Listvyanka’s Baikal Museum pier plays host to a commencement meeting involving Guardianship Board Chairman of the Fund for Protection of Lake Baikal M. V. Slipenchuk, Fund Vice President M. Y. Borzin, Irkutsk Region Deputy Governor B. V. Danilov, and World War II veteran V. D. Kazantsev.  The guests and expedition members’ festive mood is supported by a military brass band, which plays a traditional maiden voyage song called “Proshcheniye Slavyanki” (The Slavic Woman’s Farewell).  Three whistles from Akademik Koptyug’s captain announce the start of the fleet’s first mission.  The Archbishop of Irkutsk and Angara Vadim and members of the clergy of Irkutsk’ Znamensk Monastery reads a ceremonial Orthodox prayer at precisely 12:30 pm.  An icon of St. Nikolai Mirlikiysky – the protector of sailors and voyagers – is placed on board the Mir-2 manned submersible.  The Lord Vadim besprinkles holy water that was especially prepared for the maid Mir voyage, pronouncing a commencement address for members of the expedition.
The weather makes certain corrections to the team’s plan, with the previously-scheduled dives near the Circum-Baikal Railway (KBZhD) moved north because of the heavy fog that weighed over the village of Listvyanka, which is home to Capes Listvyanichny (Made of Leaf) and “Sytiy” (that means “Full’).  The first descent is completed by Mir-2 manned submersible, whose crew is comprised of: Hero of Russia Yevgeny Chernyayev, Guardianship Board Chairman of the Fund for Protection of Lake Baikal and Head of METROPOL Group of Companies Mikhail Slipenchuk, and World War II veteran Valentin Kazantsev.  The Mir-2 crew’s hatches are sealed at 14:26 pm local time.  Within an hour, the craft reaches a depth of 1,450 meters.
The Mir-1 manned submersible (with a crew of Viktor Nishcheta, Irkutsk Region Deputy Governor Boris Danilov, and Fund Press Center Deputy Director Sergei Yevchik) begins its submersion at 14:55 pm.  At 4:10 pm, the craft reaches a depth of 1,402 meters.  The two Mir submersions stretch over four hours.
Despite the difficult weather conditions, the Mir-1 and Mir-2 manned submersibles completely fulfill their scientific assignment for first day of the third season of the Mir on Baikal expedition.  The crew obtain unique photo and video material showcasing the coastal slopes and terraces of Capes Listvyanichny and Sytiy.  The teams also bring back samples of water and the local sediment.
The 83-year-old frontier sailor, 1945 Japanese campaign participant and decorated holder of military orders and medals Valentin Dmitriyevich Kazantsev takes part in the submersion on special invitation from the Fund for Protection of Lake Baikal.  Attending a press conference on board the Metropoliya immediate after the missions, the veteran – adorned in a hydronaut’s stripped vest, hat and body suit – excitedly shares his underwater impressions with reporters: “I never thought that the depths of Baikal could be so beautiful or interesting.  I am delighted that I decided to stay near Baikal so many years ago, and that today I became a hydronaut.  I was lucky to work in the wonderful team of pilot Yevgeny Chernyayev and expedition organizer Mikhail Slipenchuk.  There, spending time under water with them, I felt like I was 43, not 83.”
Upon the submersions’ conclusion, the Baikal Museum’s exposition hall hosts a press conference involving some 50 reporters from Irkutsk, Buryatia and national publications.  The press is addressed by Mikhail Slipenchuk, Yevgeny Chernyayev, Boris Danilov, the Fund for Protection of Lake Baikal Director Bair Tsyrenov, and Baikal Museum Director Vladimir Fialkov.  For nearly two hours, the Mir on Baikal project organizers field the reporters’ question, describing what makes the third season unique.  In particular, the speakers highlight the submersions that the teams plan for Southern and Central Baikal.