A Greek diving center founder and former submarine pilot, Kostas Toktaridis, discussed the evolving theories about the Titan-like submersible missing during a Titanic wreck expedition. The vessel vanished roughly one hour and forty-five minutes after the dive began, with five people aboard. OceanGate Expeditions confirmed the loss, and by the morning of June 21, officials suggested there would still be air for the crew and passengers as the search continued in the northern Atlantic. The report notes Toktaridis has substantial experience at sea, having led similar submersibles for more than five years and directed several operational tasks tied to submarine missions. This background frames his insights into the incident and the safety measures that accompany such expeditions. [citation: DEA News]
Toktaridis explained that life-support systems aboard modern submersibles are designed to sustain occupants for up to 96 hours in emergencies. During that window, crews would have access to communications, power, oxygen, water, and food. He added that the initial information indicates the dive began and, minutes later, the connection with the sub was lost. He noted that a submersible descending to the Titanic wreck reaches depths near three thousand one hundred fifty meters at a typical rate but that the Titanic rests around three thousand seven hundred meters below the surface. This difference emphasizes the extreme pressure and the dangers inherent to deep-sea travel. [citation: DEA News]
In the discussion, Toktaridis described how ballast procedures are used. Ballast is lowered only in emergencies, and its deployment signals an attempt to rise and abort the mission. The expert described a scenario where crews would pivot toward ascent when serious issues arise, rather than continuing descent, which aligns with standard safety protocols in submarine operations. [citation: DEA News]
The analyst outlined three possible explanations for the incident. The first centers on water intrusion under extreme pressure. At depths around seven thousand meters, the ambient pressure is immense, and even a small crack can create a rapid, dangerous leak. If water infiltration occurs and the nitrogen and carbon dioxide levels rise, the vessel could lose buoyancy and begin sinking again, complicating any surface rescue efforts. Toktaridis cautioned that an overloaded sub risks failure of life-support and propulsion systems, compromising safety for passengers. [citation: DEA News]
The second theory considers external compression. If the hull is crushed by the surrounding water pressure, the integrity of the capsule can fail very quickly, making a return to the surface improbable. Toktaridis described this as a severe and rapid deformation that would overwhelm the crew and passengers. [citation: DEA News]
A third possibility involves internal fire or smoke, potentially triggering an electrical fault. In such a scenario, the captain could be incapacitated, making it harder to execute a safe ascent. Toktaridis noted that crew members and passengers undergo safety training to respond if the captain is unable to act, including procedures to reweight the craft, communicate via underwater systems, and maneuver to the surface when possible. [citation: DEA News]
Beyond the technical possibilities, Toktaridis emphasized the importance of rigorous safety training for all on board. In drills, passengers learn how to monitor ballast, initiate a controlled ascent, use underwater communication devices, and operate the control joysticks required for maneuvering. The expert’s guidance reflects the standard practice of preparing divers for emergencies and ensuring everyone understands how to safeguard the craft while awaiting rescue. [citation: DEA News]
Historical context shows the recent search has already covered a vast area of the Atlantic, with scans totaling thousands of square kilometers. The operation in this portion of the ocean falls under the United States’ maritime jurisdiction, and federal agencies have led the marine search efforts. Canadian teams have joined the effort, contributing specialized air and surface assets to locate the missing submersible. The collaborative international response underscores the high stakes involved in deep-sea exploration and the ongoing commitment to safety in extreme environments. [citation: DEA News]