French explorer Jacques Cousteau's Calypso to sail again

Calypso - the iconic ship of the late French marine explorer Jacques Cousteau - will sail again in a few months, its owners have revealed.

Jacques Cousteau's restored Calypso ship set to sail, marking a revival in marine exploration and heritage preservation.

In an online statement, the Cousteau Society said the ship would "be getting a whole new life".

The ship featured in the documentary series The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau in the 1960s and 70s.

It was badly damaged in 1996, when a barge accidentally crashed into it in the port of Singapore.

Helicopter on Jacques Cousteau's Calypso ship, illustrating the vessel's pioneering marine exploration capabilities.

The Cousteau Society, founded in 1973 by the explorer, announced the ship would be fully refurbished and ready to leave Concarneau's shipyard in "the first trimester of 2016".

"She will be seaworthy and powered by her own two motors, as was Captain Cousteau's wish," the society's president, Francine Cousteau, said.

Jacques Cousteau prepares for a dive during his oceanographic explorations in the 1960s.

Calypso was originally a British minesweeper but was adapted into a "mobile oceanography laboratory" in 1950. Cousteau - a former naval officer - caught some of the first glimpses of deep sea life on board the vessel.

Due to be repaired in 2007, it was left docked in Brittany after a dispute over payment meant its owners had to pay the shipyard 300,000 euros (£224,000; $328,000) - money which it raised from public donations.

The weathered hull of Jacques Cousteau's Calypso before refurbishment, highlighting its historic restoration journey.

In June 2010, to mark 100 years since the birth of Cousteau, who died in 1997, the society announced the ship was being repaired.

Jacques Cousteau peers from Calypso's porthole, symbolising the iconic ship's return to exploration.

It says it is now working to get the ship out of Brittany in three months. It will take between 12 and 18 months for them to be able to navigate the ship.

Divers preparing equipment on Jacques Cousteau's Calypso, highlighting its historical role in ocean exploration.

Wooden plaque of Jacques Cousteau's ship Calypso, featuring the name and port, symbolising its upcoming restoration and voyage.

Jacques Cousteau's ship, Calypso, undergoing refurbishment in a shipyard, marking its preparation to sail again.

Calypso's wooden structure undergoing restoration at shipyard, preparing for relaunch following extensive refurbishment.

Jacques Cousteau's ship Calypso under refurbishment for a relaunch, showcasing its worn exterior in a shipyard setting.

Rusty exterior of Jacques Cousteau's ship Calypso, docked and awaiting restoration, to sail again after refurbishment.

French marine explorer examines artefacts, highlighting his contributions to oceanography and maritime history with Calypso.

Jacques Cousteau's iconic ship Calypso undergoing refurbishment, preparing to sail again after restoration in a shipyard.

Jacques Cousteau's ship Calypso under refurbishment at the shipyard, readying for its new voyage.

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