A search and rescue operation is underway in the Atlantic Ocean as a submersible craft, carrying its crew, has gone missing while en route to the wreck of the Titanic. OceanGate, the tour firm responsible for organising expeditions to the site, is diligently working with government agencies and deep-sea companies to explore all options for the safe recovery of the crew.
A.U.V.s explore the wreck of the Titanic
The Titanic sank in 1912 and rests approximately 3 800m below the ocean’s surface. The missing submersible is believed to be OceanGate’s Titan, a large sub capable of accommodating five people and equipped with a four-day oxygen supply.
The exact time when contact with the craft was lost remains unknown. However, the vessel was reported overdue on Sunday evening, approximately 700km south of St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Among those on board the missing submarine is Hamish Harding, a 59-year-old British billionaire businessman and explorer, as confirmed by his family. Mr Harding had expressed his excitement about joining the Titanic mission on social media, mentioning the challenging weather conditions in Newfoundland but indicating the mission would proceed.
OceanGate released a statement emphasising their primary concern for the crewmembers and their families. The company expressed deep gratitude for the extensive assistance provided by various government agencies and deep-sea companies in their collaborative efforts to re-establish contact with the submersible.
OceanGate’s eight-day expedition on the carbon-fibre Titan submersible is marketed as a unique opportunity to embark on an extraordinary journey outside of ordinary life. The company currently has an ongoing expedition and two more planned for June 2024.
The Titan submersible typically carries a pilot, three paying guests, and a designated “content expert”. The journey commences from St. John’s in Newfoundland, a distance of approximately 600km from the wreckage site. Each full dive to the wreck, including descent and ascent, takes roughly eight hours.
OceanGate owns three submersibles, with only the Titan having the capability to reach the depths required for accessing the Titanic wreckage. Weighing 10 432kg, the vessel can reach depths of up to 4 000m and provides 96 hours of life support for a crew of five, according to the company’s website.
The Polar Prince, a vessel used for transporting submersibles to the wreckage site, was involved in the expedition, as confirmed by its owner to the BBC.
Since its discovery in 1985, extensive exploration of the Titanic wreck has taken place. The wreckage is divided into two parts, with the bow and stern separated by approximately 800m. Surrounding the broken vessel is a vast debris field, serving as a haunting reminder of the tragic event that claimed the lives of over 1 500 passengers and crew members aboard the largest ship of its time.
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