A major search and rescue operation is underway in the Atlantic Ocean after a submersible craft used for Titanic tourism expeditions went missing with its crew on board. OceanGate, the tour firm behind the $250,000-a-seat trips to the Titanic wreck, has stated that it is exploring all options to ensure the safe return of the crew.
Government agencies and deep-sea firms have joined forces to assist in the search effort. The Titanic, which sank in 1912 and rests approximately 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) beneath the ocean’s surface, remains a site of great fascination and historical significance.
The missing craft is believed to be OceanGate’s Titan submersible, a spacious submersible comparable in size to a truck and designed to accommodate five people. Typically equipped with a four-day supply of oxygen, it is unknown when contact with the craft was lost.
OceanGate expressed its utmost concern for the crewmembers and their families, emphasizing their primary focus on their well-being. The company expressed gratitude for the extensive assistance received from various government agencies and deep-sea companies involved in the effort to re-establish contact with the submersible.
OceanGate’s eight-day trips aboard their carbon-fiber submersible are advertised as an extraordinary opportunity to explore the wreckage and temporarily escape from everyday life. Currently, one expedition is in progress, with two more planned for June 2024.
The submersible typically consists of a pilot, three paying guests, and a designated “content expert.” A complete dive to the Titanic wreck, including the descent and ascent, reportedly takes around eight hours.
OceanGate owns three submersibles, but only the Titan has the capability to reach the depths required to access the Titanic wreckage. Weighing 10,432 kg (23,000 lbs), the Titan can descend to depths of up to 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) and provides 96 hours of life support for a crew of five.
The Polar Prince, a tugboat utilized for submersible transportation, was involved in the expedition, according to the vessel’s owner who spoke to the BBC.
The sinking of the Titanic during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 1912 remains one of the most infamous maritime tragedies. Of the 2,200 passengers and crew on board, over 1,500 lost their lives.
Since its discovery in 1985, the wreckage has been extensively explored. The bow and stern of the ship lie approximately 800 meters (2,600 feet) apart, with a vast debris field surrounding the fragmented vessel.
As the search and rescue operation intensifies, the fate of the missing submersible and its crew remains uncertain. The global community awaits news with hope for a successful recovery and the safe return of those on board.
Sources By Agencies
