Also from BBCnews, this detailed article summarizing new efforts to create semi-autonomous remote submarines ("HROVs") for exploring the deepest ocean trenches of the Pacific. While the whole article is quite interesting, I got a giggle from this one:

[The Mid-Atlantic Ridge's] most famous residents may be gigantic tube worms, seen waving to cameras from the porches of their hydrothermal homes.

I just get this picture of a bunch of worms grinning at the scientists, one maybe holding up a sign saying, "Hi mom! Send money!"

Update: An earlier, but related article here gives more historic background and detail on the Marianas trench itself.