This is Love Into the Ice
Jan 21, 2026
In this engaging discussion, underwater explorer Jill Heinerth shares her harrowing experiences diving into the colossal B-15 iceberg. A National Geographic collaborator, Jill recounts the brutal 12-day journey through treacherous waters and the startling discovery of vibrant life forms within the iceberg. She details life-threatening moments, including surviving strong currents and a pinhole leak in her glove. Reflecting on the ecological impact of her adventure, Jill explores the fascinating biology of ice fish and ponders the risks and rewards of exploration as she ages.
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First Cave Dive Inside B-15
- Jill Heinerth assembled an elite dive team to be the first to cave dive inside the B-15 iceberg in Antarctica.
- Their mission aimed to document whether the berg carried a drifting ecosystem and to see the iceberg from the inside.
Harsh Passage, Unexpected Life
- The team traveled 12 days across the Southern Ocean facing 60-foot waves and heavy icing on their boat.
- Under the iceberg they found rich life: krill, comb jellies, sea pigs, feather stars, and colorful filter feeders on the seafloor.
Stay Pragmatic Under Stress
- When diving, keep fear in check and use pragmatic observation to make safe decisions under stress.
- Pay attention to the environment and animal behavior to guide actions when equipment or conditions fail.
