A major search and rescue operation is underway to locate a missing submersible that was exploring the wreckage of the Titanic in the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel, named Titan, vanished while taking tourists on an expedition to the iconic ship’s remains.

_{Photo Credit: oceangate.com}

In a desperate race against time, search and rescue operations are underway to locate a missing submersible that disappeared near the wreckage of the Titanic. The submersible, named Titan, was on a mission to explore the iconic ship’s remains while carrying five individuals, including British billionaire Hamish Harding. The vessel, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, has a limited oxygen supply of approximately two days.

Among the missing Titanic exploration submarine crew is billionaire Hamish Harding

Who flew to space on a Blue Origin rocket this time last year pic.twitter.com/ZtadprJYtz

— Latest in space (@latestinspace) June 20, 2023

The extensive search effort involves the United States Coast Guard, Canadian authorities, and commercial vessels. Ships and planes from both countries have been deployed to the remote area, about 900 miles east of Cape Cod. The challenging nature of the search is compounded by the region’s remoteness and the depth of the water, which reaches 13,000 feet.

The priority for rescuers is to locate the submersible and rescue the individuals on board. Sonar buoys capable of monitoring depths up to 13,000 feet have been deployed to aid in the search. Additional vessels and aircraft continue to join the operation, including resources from commercial entities and government agencies.

OceanGate Expeditions, the company operating the submersible, expressed gratitude for the assistance received and pledged to explore all available options to ensure the safe return of the crew. Family members of the passengers have requested prayers for their safety during this difficult time.

🚨BREAKING NEWS UPDATE (6:25 PM)… ***VIDEO*** Famous last words: “Diving to the #Titanic with OceanGate is a fabulous experience.”👇🏻I just edited video of the 2022 #Titan #submarine excursion to the Titanic. NOW, the sub remains #missing under 2-1/2 miles of water. DEVELOPING… pic.twitter.com/d0MUOvZ13J

— Steve Norris (@SteveNorrisTV) June 19, 2023

The submersible Titan is equipped with a comfortable safety margin to dive to depths of 13,120 feet. Its descent to the Titanic wreckage site takes approximately two hours. The vessel maintains communication with its mothership, Polar Prince, via a USBL acoustic system, with regular signals sent every 15 minutes. However, contact was lost approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes into the submersible’s dive.

As the search continues, challenges arise due to the depth of the water. Specialized underwater vehicles are necessary to navigate the depths of the Titanic wreck, but their availability is limited. Rescuers are utilizing sonar buoys and acoustic systems to detect any signs of the missing submersible. However, no underwater search operations have been initiated thus far.

The urgency of the situation intensifies as time elapses and the submersible’s oxygen supply dwindles. Efforts are being made to deploy more assets and expand the search to underwater areas. The Canadian Armed Forces have dispatched an aircraft to assist in the search near the Titanic wreckage.

The voyage begins in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and takes passengers to the renowned shipwreck. The voyage takes around 400 nautical miles before arriving at the wreckage location. Each dive, including the plunge to the ocean below, takes around 10 hours. Participation in the trip begins at $250,000 per person.

Currently, the focus remains on locating the missing submersible. If the vessel is found, a rescue operation will be launched, involving the cooperation of the US Navy, Canadian Armed Forces, and private industry with underwater rescue capabilities. The search and rescue teams are determined to do everything possible to bring the crew back safely.

As the search unfolds, the support and concern from people worldwide have been remarkable. Everyone involved remains focused on the mission at hand, hoping for a positive outcome. The situation is continuously monitored, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Here is a video tour and overview of the #OceanGate #Submersible that visits the #Titanic wreck. There’s only one window on the vehicle, and the rest is seemingly controlled by LCD screens and an Xbox controller. My experience in risk mitigation signals several points of concern. pic.twitter.com/XaKF2zTf0a

— 🐾 InfoSec Coydog 🐾 (@NativeIndianDog) June 20, 2023

In the face of this challenging situation, the thoughts and prayers of people around the world are with the crew members and their families.

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