The world's first "Space Station of the Sea"

It looks more like the Starship Enterprise sinking in the sea - but this huge vertical vessel could be the future of ocean exploration.

Called the SeaOrbiter, the huge 51m (167ft)  structure is set to be the world's first vertical  ship allowing man a revolutionary view of life  below the surface.

Called the SeaOrbiter, the huge 51m (167ft) structure is set to be the world's first vertical ship allowing man a revolutionary view of life below the surface.

Although currently only a prototype its inventor Jacques Rougerie thinks his international oceanographic station will soon be setting sail. Mr Rougerie wants the ship to be a space station for the sea giving scientists an insight into the little-known world under the sea.