The submarine Titan, which on Sunday descended to 4,000 meters to observe the remains of the ill fated ocean liner Titanic, is itself touched by tragedy.
That same Sunday, communication was lost shortly after the craft touched down. Millionaires seek powerful experiences and prepare for extreme conditions with up to 96 hours of oxygen. As a result, plans emerged to document what happened with the missing sub and to undertake a monumental mission to locate and recover it.
Luxury experiences for millionaires
The submersible vessel Titan belongs to the American private company OceanGate Expeditions. It is not the first time this underwater adventure has been offered to those with significant means. The expedition carries a price tag around 250,000 euros, and it includes travel in a small crew aboard a submersible for eight days, a journey shared among five people. Among the passengers are British billionaire Hamish Harding, a seasoned aviator and explorer aged 58, Pakistani businessman Prince Dawood and his son Suleiman. This information comes from statements released by the families involved.
The famous wreck lies at a depth of roughly 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) in the Atlantic, about 600 kilometers off the coast of Newfoundland. The ship is split into two parts, the bow and stern, separated by about 800 meters, surrounded by debris. A complete dive, including descent and ascent, lasts roughly eight hours. Each expedition spans eight days, according to OceanGate, and every dive has a scientific objective such as assessing the ship’s weathering. The first dive occurred in 2021, according to the company’s records.
The determining factor is time
OceanGate Expeditions explains that the submarine can remain underwater for up to 96 hours, relying on onboard oxygen and other survival systems. Rescue operations would involve cooperation between the United States and Canada. Officials in both nations acknowledge the severity of the situation. It is crucial to determine whether the vessel remains at a profound depth or has surfaced and is awaiting discovery.
Complex recovery device
Rear Admiral John Mauger of the U.S. Coast Guard warned that recovering the vessel if it lies underwater would require additional expert support, prompting coordination with the U.S. Navy and private sector partners. In addition, the United States deployed two C-130 aircraft for aerial surveillance and radar mapping, with National Guard assets joining the operation. Canada contributed personnel, deploying a C-130 and other equipment to extend the underwater search. Buoys and other signaling devices were placed to assist the search from the surface.
Harding: from space to the bottom of the sea
Hamish Harding, 58, is the chief executive of Action Aviation, a Dubai-based aviation sales and services company. Harding has a history of high profile missions, including joining former astronaut Buzz Aldrin for a South Pole expedition in 2016. Harding also took part in the One More Orbit mission, aiming to set records for fastest circumnavigation by plane around the Earth. In recent years he has flown aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard as part of the company’s first crewed missions, marking a notable crossover between space exploration and deep-sea adventures.