A massive search and rescue effort is underway in the North Atlantic as authorities are trying to locate a submersible that went missing with five people on board while exploring the wreckage of the Titanic.
The Titan sub, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, lost contact with the research vessel Polar Prince approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes into its dive. As the search operation intensifies, here's what we know about the incident, the missing submersible, and the ongoing rescue effort.
What is the Titan?
Designed for deep-sea exploration, the Titan submersible, is a research and survey submersible that can house five people (including tourists) operated by OceanGate Expeditions. The Titan submersible, made of titanium and carbon fiber, is a research and survey vehicle that can carry a pilot and up to four mission specialists, including tourists.
It has a 96-hour oxygen supply and uses Starlink satellite technology for communication.
This state-of-the-art vehicle is equipped with advanced navigation systems, high-resolution cameras, and scientific instruments, enabling researchers to delve into the mysteries of the ocean's depths. OceanGate says Titan’s viewport is “the largest of any deep diving submersible”.
Where and when did the submersible go missing?
The submersible, called Titan, vanished in the North Atlantic, approximately 900 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. The incident occurred during its dive into the depths of the ocean while exploring the renowned wreckage of the Titanic.
What do we know about the three passengers so far?
Hamish Harding, a British billionaire, along with Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, have been confirmed as three of the five people on board the Titan.
Their submersible lost contact during a journey to the remnants of the Titanic in the Atlantic Ocean. French explorer Paul-Henry Nargeolet and Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate, are believed to be the other two individuals on the vessel.
What was the sub doing?
At the time of its disappearance, the Titan submersible was engaged in an exploratory mission to document and study the wreckage of the Titanic. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, it aimed to capture high-resolution imagery and collect scientific data to shed further light on the historic maritime tragedy.
What might have gone wrong?
The submersible might have become entangled in the Titanic's wreckage, experienced a power outage, or experienced problems with its communications system as potential causes of what went wrong.
A seabed rescue operation is complex due to the seabed's problematic characteristics, including trash and undulating terrain. A pressure hull leak indicates that the submersible's protective structure has been breached, which might have serious consequences for the crew's safety and chances of survival.
This is another scenario that could prove dangerous. Rear Admiral Chris Parry, who is now retired, referred to the seabed search as "very difficult" because of its characteristics.
What is the latest in the rescue effort?
In response to the incident, a search and rescue operation has been launched.
The US Coast Guard, leading the effort, has deployed multiple aircraft and sonar-equipped vessels to scour the search area. However, the remote nature of the location and the depths of the Atlantic present formidable challenges.
Rear Admiral John Mauger acknowledges these hurdles, stating, "We are facing challenges due to the remote nature of the search area. The search operation is further complicated by the depths of the Atlantic and the need for specialized equipment."
The international maritime community, OceanGate Expeditions, and the families of the missing crew members anxiously await updates on the ongoing rescue effort. In a statement on Tuesday, the Dawood family said: "We are very grateful for the concern being shown by our colleagues and friends and would like to request everyone to pray for their safety while granting the family privacy at this time."
