Bay Area couple becomes engaged 2,000 feet deep in the ocean

(FOX 13) - The love between a Tampa Bay Area couple runs deep – about 2,000 feet deep into the Atlantic Ocean.

Thomas Pruim proposed to his girlfriend, Christina Pilla, a marine biologist, in a submarine, surrounded by crew members and sea creatures as their audience. The couple won a contest, held by Airbnb, Ocean X and BBC Worldwide, allowing them to embark on a voyage and spend two nights on an active exploration trip in the Bahamas.

Airbnb shared video of the surprise engagement. The couple are seen sitting front and center inside the submarine as they descended into the dark depths of the Atlantic Ocean. 

“I’ve loved you every moment that I’ve been with you,” Thomas is heard saying, “We’re going on this adventure of a lifetime, and I was wondering if you’d want to go on an adventure for a lifetime with me. Christina, will you marry me?”

Christina, smiling throughout the entire proposal, simply says, “Of course,” and gives Pruim a kiss. He places the engagement ring on her left ring finger. 

“It was absolutely incredible,” Thomas said in a statement. “At first, before boarding the sub, I was pretty nervous. But once we started diving into the deep, it was so calming and I was completely relaxed; something I never expected … It honestly couldn't have gone more perfect.”

The submarine is part of a Ocean X's marine-research vessel, called the Alucia. It was used in the wildlife documentary series, Blue Planet II.