Palau leader in 'world first' underwater interview

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr speaking to a “mermaid” – Estonian Olympic swimmer and activist Merle Liivand – in an underwater interview. - OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, REPUBLIC OF PALAU/FACEBOOK

SYDNEY: The president of tiny Pacific island nation Palau has sunk to new depths -- claiming to be the first world leader to conduct a live interview immersed entirely underwater.

In a bid to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the ocean, Surangel Whipps Jr who leads the nation of roughly 17,600 people, conducted the interview with a "mermaid" alongside a giant clam.