Eesha Kulkarni

In a gripping turn of events, a submersible carrying five individuals embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to explore the remains of the iconic Titanic at the depths of the North Atlantic Ocean has gone missing.

Despite an extensive search operation, the fate of the submersible and its occupants remains shrouded in uncertainty. Reports of underwater banging sounds have raised hope but failed to provide definitive answers. As the world holds its breath, rescue teams race against time to uncover the truth behind this perplexing disappearance.

Vanished into the Abyss: How Did They Go Missing?

The submersible, an integral part of OceanGate Expeditions‘ eight-day journey, set out on a voyage priced at $250,000 per person. Departing from Newfoundland, Canada, the submersible’s destination was the haunting wreckage site located approximately 900 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Tragically, contact with the submersible was lost a mere one hour and 45 minutes into its descent to the Titanic. The circumstances surrounding its disappearance, including proximity to the wreckage, remain a mystery.

The Adventurous Souls on Board: Who Are They?

While the identities of the five missing individuals have not been officially disclosed, it has been confirmed that British businessman Hamish Harding, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and Pakistani billionaire Shahzada Dawood, accompanied by his son Sulaiman Dawood, were part of the ill-fated expedition. OceanGate CEO and founder Stockton Rush is also believed to be on board. These intrepid explorers, each with their own unique background, shared a common fascination with the world’s most famous shipwreck.

A Race Against Time: How Much Time Remains?

With the submersible designed to provide oxygen for five people for up to 96 hours, rescue operations have until early Thursday to locate and retrieve the vessel. The US Coast Guard estimated that by Tuesday afternoon, there were approximately 40 hours of oxygen remaining. However, the challenges ahead are manifold, with the submersible situated in an extraordinarily deep and remote location, battling adverse weather conditions, and the absence of real-time information on its depth.

What Is a Submersible and Its Interior Like?

Distinguishing itself from a submarine, a submersible possesses limited power reserves and necessitates a surface support ship for deployment and recovery. The Titan submersible, constructed with carbon fibre and titanium, weighs 23,000 pounds and boasts safety features to monitor its structural integrity. Inside, the space is modest, comparable to a minivan, with passengers seated cross-legged on the floor due to the absence of seats. Communication relies on text messages from the surface, and navigation is guided by a video game controller or a hard-wired backup system.

Desperate Search Operations: What Measures Are Being Taken?

A concerted effort involving numerous US and Canadian agencies, including the US Coast Guard, US Navy, US Air Force, Canadian Coast Guard, and Canadian military, is underway to locate the missing submersible. Extensive surface and underwater searches covering over 10,000 square miles have been conducted. Utilising boats, aircraft, radar equipment, sonar buoys, and sonar devices, the search teams strive to detect any signs of the submersible’s presence. Additionally, the deployment of advanced deep-sea mapping equipment is being organised to aid in the rescue operation.

From Discovery to Rescue: The Challenges Ahead

While locating the submersible remains the primary objective, the rescue process poses its own set of challenges. Depending on the submersible’s depth and location, rescue vessels may face limitations. The extreme depth of nearly 13,000 feet, coupled with immense water pressure, presents a formidable barrier to conventional rescue methods. Past rescues at significant depths involved the use of other submersibles and remotely operated recovery vessels. However, the uniqueness of the current situation necessitates innovative approaches to bring the underwater craft and its occupants safely to the surface.

As the search efforts intensify, the fate of the missing Titanic-exploring submersible hangs in the balance. The world anxiously awaits answers while hoping for a miraculous rescue in the face of adversity.