Deep Diving
Keller studied philosophy, mathematics, and theoretical physics at the University of Zurich. He became interested in deep diving and developed tables for mixed-gas decompression, supported by Albert A. Bühlmann who suggested suitable gases. Keller successfully tested his idea in Lake Zurich, where he reached a depth of 400 feet, and Lake Maggiore, where he reached a depth of 728 feet. In 1962, he set a new world record when he reached a depth of 1000 feet off the coast of California, together with Peter Small. This major achievement was overshadowed by the tragic end of the mission: Keller was lucky to survive while Peter Small and Chris Whittaker, a young UCLA student and supporting diver, lost their lives.
In the following years, navies and hospitals bought decompression chambers constructed by Keller.
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