basically, an antenna Transmit (or receive) EM energy (say E and H) .
At ELF this is extremally difficult to do. Antennas may be sensitive to E or H but not efficentely both.
To increase efficiency, E Antennas (wires whit one isolated end) should be driven by a elevator transformer, so they may became dangerous if immerged into water.
The alternative may be the loop antenna.
a metal shielded, many turns wire is an excellent antenna.
I've done some experience (but not into water !).
A 3 square meter, 32 turn received very well the far russian stations for submarine as well as 50 Hz power lines too (unfortunately)