China postpones deep sea dive attempt

Chinese scientists say they canceled a second dive mission of the Jiaolong submersible because its hydraulic system needed maintenance. Jiaolong, which set a national record with a dive of 21,886 feet Friday, will now attempt the second dive to a depth of 23,000 feet in the Pacific Ocean Tuesday, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported. Whether the attempt is made will be determined by weather and sea conditions, researchers said. The mission of the submersible has been affected and delayed by tropical storm "Guchao" several times, they said. On Friday, the craft's three crew members, Ye Cong, Cui Weicheng and Yang Bo, steered the Jiaolong to the national record in the Mariana Trench, far surpassing the 17,000-foot record it set last July. The Jiaolong, named for a mythical sea dragon, joins submersibles of the United States, Russia, France and Japan in such deep-sea diving capabilities.