At the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco on October 21st an extraordinary event unfolded: a screening of the documentary “Cap Corse: The Mystery of the Rings”, chronicling the latest Gombessa mission led by renowned French marine biologist and diver, Laurent Ballesta. Supported by Monaco Explorations and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, this ambitious project has drawn the attention of scientists and marine enthusiasts alike.
Prince Albert II’s Commitment to Marine Research
In attendance was H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, whose presence underscored the Principality’s deep commitment to marine research and environmental conservation. As the lights dimmed in the grand auditorium, an audience of 300 leaned in to witness a film that promises to unlock the secrets of one of the Mediterranean’s most enigmatic phenomena: vast, perfectly circular formations lying more than 100 meters beneath the waters off Cap Corse.
The rings, measuring up to 20 meters in diameter, were first discovered during a previous Gombessa expedition, but their mystery remains largely unsolved. With the help of sophisticated technology, including underwater stations, submersibles, and a multidisciplinary team of researchers, the Gombessa team has returned to these depths in search of answers. For example, over the course of a gruelling 20-day expedition in July, supported by the Prince Albert II Foundation, the team worked tirelessly to probe the origins and nature of these corallogenic rings—collecting samples, conducting experiments, and even reconstructing several rings in 3D using photogrammetry.
At the screening, Ballesta’s own narration of the film, along with co-directors Yann Rineau and Aurine Crémieu, transported the audience into the depths of the Mediterranean. The film’s vivid underwater visuals captured the breathtaking biodiversity thriving in and around these mysterious structures, while scientific explanations shed light on their potential significance. The rings, it turns out, may not only be a geological puzzle but could also harbour ecosystems critical to the Mediterranean’s fragile marine life.
The support of Prince Albert and his Foundation was not just symbolic. This expedition is part of the ongoing collaboration between Monaco Explorations and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, both of which have been instrumental in advancing research aimed at protecting the world’s oceans. Prince Albert’s dedication to marine conservation is well-known, and his presence at the event reinforced his active role in supporting scientific initiatives like Gombessa. As the film concluded and applause erupted, the conversation shifted to what lies ahead: the next steps in understanding these underwater marvels.
The mystery of the Cap Corse rings is far from solved, but with the research of Ballesta and his team, bolstered by Monaco’s unwavering support, we are now closer to unravelling the secrets of one of the Mediterranean’s most intriguing natural phenomena.
