A massive search and rescue effort is underway for a missing submersible near the Titanic wreck. The operation is at a critical stage, with only a few hours remaining before the oxygen supply depletes. Five people are on board the submersible, and their lives are at stake.
Coast guard officials are hopeful with increased assets and experts joining the operation. Sonar has detected underwater noises, but finding the crew alive remains a formidable challenge.
“Sometimes you’re in a position where you have to make a tough decision. We’re not there yet,” said US Coast Guard Captain Jamie Frederick, adding that it remained a search-and-rescue mission “100 percent.”
The multinational response includes US and Canadian military planes, coast guard ships, and teleguided robots. Organizers are concentrating their efforts in the North Atlantic. They are responding to multiple “underwater noises” detected by sonar. The sonar detections occurred late Tuesday and Wednesday.
The sounds raised hopes for the passengers’ survival, but their source remains unconfirmed.
Frederick admitted uncertainty: “We don’t know what they are; we must stay optimistic.” Titanic Tourist submersible began descending at 8:00 am and was scheduled to resurface after seven hours. Rescuers estimate oxygen may run out on Thursday, considering the sub’s emergency air capacity. The 21-foot tourist craft lost contact during its trip to see the Titanic’s remains.
The submersible, named Titan, carried British billionaire Hamish Harding and Pakistani tycoon Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman. They all have British citizenship. OceanGate Expeditions charges $250,000 for a seat on the sub. The company’s CEO, Stockton Rush, is also on board. A French submarine operator, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, nicknamed “Mr Titanic,” is part of the crew.
