In a joint effort, U.S. and Canadian rescue teams have mobilized an urgent rescue mission to locate a submersible that mysteriously vanished in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean while en route to the historic Titanic wreckage site. The U.S. Coast Guard, leading the search operations from Boston, has been joined by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the frantic race against time.
Late Sunday night, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre received an overdue report for the missing watercraft, which had departed from St. John’s and was heading towards the Titanic wreckage site, approximately 435 miles south of St. John’s. With mounting concern and urgency, Rear Adm. John Mauger, commander of the First Coast Guard District, addressed the media, outlining the extensive efforts underway to locate the submersible and rescue the crew.
The search operation involves the deployment of two aircraft from both the U.S. and Canada, as well as the participation of a commercial ship. As the pursuit continues into the night, further assets are set to be added, maximizing the chances of a successful outcome. However, the operation is not without its challenges. The search area, situated about 900 miles east of Cape Cod, presents a remote and demanding environment. The vast expanse of the ocean, reaching depths of up to 13,000 feet, complicates the search efforts, requiring a comprehensive exploration of both the water’s surface and the depths below.
“It is a challenge to conduct a search in that remote area,” acknowledged Rear Adm. Mauger during the news conference. “But we are deploying all available assets to make sure that we can locate the craft and rescue the people on board.” The commitment and determination of the rescue teams are evident as they navigate through the obstacles posed by the location and the urgency of the situation.
The submersible in question, named “Titan,” measures 21 feet in length and embarked on its dive early Sunday morning. Unfortunately, contact was lost with the submersible just over an hour into its mission. The U.S. Coast Guard swiftly took to Twitter to share the alarming update, triggering a series of responses and collaborative efforts from multiple organizations.
OceanGate Expeditions, a renowned deep-sea exploration company based in Washington, confirmed its ownership of the submersible. In a statement released to the public, the company highlighted the collaborative nature of their expeditions to the Titanic wreckage site, which involve a team of archaeologists, marine biologists, and “mission specialists” who accompany the crew. These mission specialists, comprising one pilot and four individuals, take turns operating sonar equipment and performing various tasks within the submersible.
Expressing their gratitude for the extensive assistance received, OceanGate Expeditions assured the public that every effort is being made to reestablish contact with the submersible and ensure the safe return of the crew members. The company also provided crucial information regarding the submersible’s emergency sustainment capability. According to Rear Adm. Mauger, the craft possesses a 96-hour emergency capacity, encompassing essential supplies such as oxygen and fuel. This vital information offers a glimmer of hope, indicating that the crew potentially has anywhere between 70 and the full 96 hours of survival capability.
David Concannon, an adviser to OceanGate Expeditions, disclosed that contact with the submersible was lost on Sunday morning. Concannon revealed that urgent efforts are underway to deploy a remotely operated vehicle capable of reaching the extreme depths where the Titanic wreckage lies, approximately 12,500 feet below the ocean’s surface. The significance of this mission is further underscored by the presence of British businessman Hamish Harding on board. Harding, known for his adventurous spirit, previously ventured into space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket in June of last year. His involvement adds an additional layer of concern and urgency to the ongoing search and rescue operation.
Action Aviation, the company to which Harding is affiliated as chairman, issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to facilitating a rescue mission. The managing director, Mark Butler, expressed hope for a positive outcome, citing the survival equipment present on board the submersible. Butler reassured the public that there is still ample time to rescue the crew and bring them back safely.
The exploration community, including Richard Garriott, president of the Explorers Club, remains deeply invested in the rescue efforts. Garriott, in a letter to members, conveyed his recent encounter with Harding, highlighting the latter’s enthusiasm and passion for conducting research at the Titanic site. The shared hope among explorers and the general public is for the swift and safe location of the submersible and the subsequent rescue of its crew.
As the hours pass, the Coast Guard confirmed the completion of two searches conducted by C-130 aircraft. The search mission will continue throughout the night, with the Polar Prince and Rescue106 vessels conducting surface searches. Furthermore, underwater and surface searches will resume the following day, with Canadian and U.S. aircraft spearheading the operation.
The world is reminded once again of the tragic tale of the Titanic, which sank on April 15, 1912, after colliding with an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City. This joint endeavor by U.S. and Canadian rescue teams serves as a testament to the enduring fascination and reverence for the ship’s history. The collective prayers and hopes of millions are with the brave crew, as the search mission continues relentlessly, propelled by the unwavering determination to locate and bring them home safely.