A large-scale search and rescue operation is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean to locate a tourist submersible named Titan, which has been missing for nearly two days. The vessel, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, was carrying five individuals when it vanished.
Among those on board the submersible are Stockton Rush, the CEO and founder of OceanGate Expeditions, British billionaire explorer Hamish Harding, renowned French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, accompanied by his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning when the Titan submerged along with its support vessel, the Canadian research vessel Polar Prince. Approximately one hour and 45 minutes later, contact was lost between the Titan and Polar Prince, prompting concerns for the safety of those on board.
The Titan is equipped with a four-day emergency oxygen supply, providing a glimmer of hope for the stranded crew. However, as time passes, the urgency to locate the submersible grows.
On Monday afternoon, Rear Admiral John Mauger of the US Coast Guard addressed the media, revealing that there was an estimated time frame of between 70 and 96 hours left before the emergency oxygen supply would be depleted.
OceanGate Expeditions, which offers eight-day missions for tourists to explore the Titanic debris at a cost of $250,000 per person, expressed deep concern for the well-being of the crew and assured the public that every available resource was being utilized to ensure their safe return.
The search operation involves the concerted efforts of the US Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard, who are working tirelessly to locate the missing submersible and its occupants.
As the hours tick by, hopes and prayers are with the crew of the Titan, their families, and the dedicated teams involved in the ongoing search and rescue mission. The maritime community and the world anxiously await news of their safe recovery from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.
You may remember that the @OceanGateExped sub to the #Titanic got lost for a few hours LAST summer, too, when I was aboard…Here’s the relevant part of that story. https://t.co/7FhcMs0oeH pic.twitter.com/ClaNg5nzj8
— David Pogue (@Pogue) June 19, 2023
Like seriously ?
Omg! This is serious