Titanic Submersible, Titan Which Charges Rs 2.02 Cr For Expedition Vanishes in Atlantic Ocean, Search and Rescue Intensifies As Crew’s Oxygen Runs Out!
Titanic submersible called Titan that takes passengers to explore the wreck of the Titanic has gone missing in the Atlantic Ocean. Massive search operations are on for the vessel carrying five passengers, including British explorer Hamish Harding and French Titanic expert PN Nargeolet. Experts and authorities are currently grappling with the baffling disappearance of Titan, offering various theories as to its fate.
A high-stakes race against time is underway in the North Atlantic as a state-of-the-art submersible named Titan has mysteriously disappeared during an expedition to explore the infamous wreckage of the Titanic.
This alarming development has sparked a massive search and rescue operation to locate the vessel and its five passengers, including renowned British explorer Hamish Harding and French Titanic expert PN Nargeolet. The clock is ticking relentlessly as the submersible’s emergency oxygen supply is rapidly dwindling, with only 40 hours remaining.
Titan, the watercraft, lost contact one hour and 45 minutes into its dive on Sunday, according to the United States Coast Guard.
Tragically, Titan lost contact with its support vessel, the Canadian research ship Polar Prince, a mere hour and 45 minutes into its dive. Canadian aircraft involved in the search efforts detected intermittent banging noises near the last known location of the submersible, adding to the urgency and complexity of the rescue mission.
The crew searching for the missing sub heard banging sounds every 30 minutes on Tuesday and again four hours later after additional sonar devices were deployed.
The Missing Crew In Deep Waters
The composition of the missing crew is both diverse and distinguished. CEO and founder of OceanGate Expeditions Stockton Rush, Hamish Harding, a British billionaire explorer, embarked on this fateful journey along with esteemed French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet.
Additionally, Shahzada Dawood, a Pakistani businessman and his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood have also vanished alongside them. The involvement of such prominent figures in this ill-fated expedition has captured the world’s attention and deepened concerns for their safety.
At the moment, both experts and authorities are grappling with the baffling disappearance of Titan, offering various theories as to its fate.
Possibilities range from power failures and communication malfunctions to entanglement with Titanic wreckage strewn across the ocean floor. The treacherous conditions surrounding the Titanic site, scattered with debris from the century-old tragedy, pose considerable dangers and challenges to the rescue teams.
What is the Titanic submersible, Titan?
The Titan submersible is a cutting-edge research and survey vessel designed for deep-sea exploration. Built with carbon fibre and titanium, this remarkable Cyclops-class submersible measures 22 feet in length and weighs a staggering 10,432 kilograms.
It is capable of reaching depths of up to 13,123 feet; the Titan utilizes four electric thrusters for propulsion and is equipped with an array of cameras, lights, and scanners to provide an unparalleled view of the deep ocean.
It can accommodate five people. These include a pilot and crew, which could be archaeologists or marine biologists. However, it also carries tourists who can afford a seat – it costs $250,000 (Rs 2.02 crore) for an eight-day trip to the Titanic wreck.
The Titan submersible is equipped with an innovative integrated platform that serves as its launch and recovery system for each dive. This platform enables seamless operations, allowing the submarine to depart and return to its base safely.
OceanGate, the company behind the Titan, proudly claims that it is the largest deep-diving submersible in existence, boasting cutting-edge technology that offers an unparalleled view of the mysterious depths of the ocean.
OceanGate Expeditions invites adventurers to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the haunting wreckage of the Titanic. Describing it as a chance to escape the monotony of everyday life and embark on an extraordinary journey, OceanGate promises an awe-inspiring experience. In addition to the ongoing expedition, the company has already planned two more trips to the Titanic wreck, scheduled for June 2024, captivating the imagination of those eager to explore the depths of history.
Where and how did Titan go missing?
The Titan submersible went missing during its tour of the Titanic wreck, located approximately 700 kilometres south of St John’s, Newfoundland, in Canada. The submersible was being transported to the wreckage site by the research vessel Polar Prince.
However, contact with the crew of the Titan was lost one hour and 45 minutes into its dive on Sunday. The last known location of the missing submersible was estimated to be around 1,450 kilometres off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in the United States.
The ocean floor where the Titanic rests is scattered with debris from its tragic sinking over a century ago. The presence of this debris poses a significant danger to submersibles exploring the area.
Frank Owen OAM, a retired Royal Australian Navy official and submarine escape and rescue project director, emphasized the hazardous nature of the surroundings, stating that “There are parts of it all over the place. It’s dangerous.”
Fortunately, the Titan submersible is equipped with drop weights that can be released in case of an emergency. These weights help create buoyancy, allowing the submersible to rise to the surface. In the event that the Titan is stuck or experiences a power outage, this emergency measure provides a potential means of escape.
Search And Rescue Mission
Taking the lead in the search and rescue operation, the Boston Coast Guard is coordinating a comprehensive response. Multiple aircraft have been deployed, including two C-130 Hercules planes from the US Coast Guard and Canadian aircraft equipped with underwater sonar capability. The rescue teams are working tirelessly to scour both the surface and depths of the Atlantic in their desperate quest to locate the missing submersible and its occupants.
As every passing moment becomes critical, OceanGate Expeditions, the company responsible for the ill-fated expedition, is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to reestablish contact with the submersible. Expressing profound gratitude for the extensive assistance received from government agencies and deep-sea companies, they are fully aware of the urgent need to locate and rescue the stranded crew.
The Last Bit, The world watches with bated breath, hoping for a breakthrough in the ongoing search efforts. Time is running out, necessitating the mobilization of all available resources and expertise to locate the Titan submersible and ensure the safe return of its occupants. This race against the clock underscores the gravity of the situation, reminiscent of the tragic fate that befell the Titanic itself. Hoping the crew members are found.
