The tourist submersible that went missing on Sunday afternoon, carrying five individuals including British billionaire Hamish Harding, is now suspected to be trapped in the wreckage of the Titanic, which it was exploring. The submersible, named Titan and operated by OceanGate Expeditions, was conducting a Titanic tour that costs $250,000 per person. The company targets adventurous and affluent clients, similar to space tourism. While prior diving experience is not necessary, physical requirements such as the ability to board small boats in active seas are necessary.
The submersible embarked on its journey at 4 am on Sunday but lost contact with the mothership after just one hour and 45 minutes. According to OceanGate, the sub has the capability to operate underwater for up to 96 hours with five people consuming oxygen. However, more than 30 hours have passed since the rescue mission began, and there is still no sign of the submersible.
Rear Admiral John W. Mauger, speaking at a press conference, stated that the US Coast Guard is working tirelessly to locate the missing submersible, as lives are at risk. The search operation now involves C-130s and P-8s in the remote area of the ocean, approximately 900 miles east of Cape Cod and 370 miles southeast of the southernmost point of Newfoundland.
Admiral Mauger acknowledged the possibility that the submersible may have become stuck in the Titanic wreckage and admitted that the Coast Guard lacks the necessary equipment to conduct a survey of the ocean bottom. The search area poses challenges due to its remote location. Sea conditions in the search area are currently normal, with waves of three to six feet, low visibility, and fog.
Family members of those onboard have requested prayers for Harding, who is known for his daring expeditions. Harding holds the Guinness World Record for the longest duration spent at the bottom of the sea and has participated in other remarkable adventures, including journeys to the Mariana Trench and space. OceanGate confirmed the submersible’s disappearance and expressed their focus on ensuring the safe return of the crewmembers.
Naval experts anticipate that recovering the submersible from its current position within the Titanic wreckage will be a challenging endeavor. The Canadian Coast Guard vessels Horizon Arctic and Kopit Hobson 1752 are en route to the site. OceanGate’s dives typically last up to 10 hours, with participants spending eight days at sea on a larger ship.