The fate of five people who went missing on a submersible near the Titanic wreckage remains uncertain, as rescuers race against time to locate them before their oxygen runs out. The submersible, named Titan, is owned by OceanGate Expeditions, a company that offers underwater tours of the Titanic for $250,000 per person.
The Titan lost contact with its support ship on Sunday morning, about an hour and 45 minutes into its scheduled dive. The vessel was carrying two crew members and three passengers, who had embarked on an eight-day journey from Newfoundland to explore the iconic shipwreck.
The search for the Titan has been hampered by rough weather conditions, limited visibility and the vastness of the ocean. The submersible is designed to withstand the immense pressure and cold temperatures at a depth of 12,400 feet (3,780 meters), where the Titanic lies. However, it only has enough oxygen to last for about two days, meaning that the window of opportunity to find it is rapidly closing. According to OceanGate, the Titan is equipped with emergency beacons, sonar transponders and strobe lights that should make it easier to locate. However, none of these signals have been detected so far.
On Tuesday, a glimmer of hope emerged when a Canadian military surveillance aircraft reported hearing underwater noises in the area where the Titan went missing. The noises were heard in 30-minute intervals and lasted for several hours, suggesting that there could be survivors inside the submersible. However, it is not clear if the noises were actually coming from the Titan or from another source. The aircraft dropped additional sonar devices into the water to try to pinpoint the origin of the sounds.
The rescue mission involves multiple agencies and countries, including the US Coast Guard, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Navy and several private vessels. OceanGate has also hired a specialized salvage company to assist with the recovery of the submersible. The company said it is doing everything possible to find and rescue its crew and passengers.
The Titan is one of only a few submersibles in the world that can reach the Titanic’s wreckage, which has been deteriorating due to metal-eating bacteria and ocean currents. OceanGate has been documenting and studying the ship’s decay since 2022, using high-resolution cameras and 3D scanners. The company also aims to provide a unique and immersive experience for its customers, who can see firsthand the remains of the Titanic and its artifacts.
The Titanic sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. More than 1,500 people died in the disaster, while about 700 survived. The wreck was discovered in 1985 by a joint US-French expedition led by Robert Ballard and Jean-Louis Michel. Since then, it has attracted numerous explorers, researchers and tourists who want to witness one of history’s most tragic and fascinating maritime events.
