Titanic Expedition: The Perplexing Case of the Missing Tourist Sub
Titanic Expedition: The Perplexing Case of the Missing Tourist Sub
Titanic Expedition: The Perplexing Case of the Missing Tourist Sub
Titanic Expedition: The Perplexing Case of the Missing Tourist Sub
Titanic Expedition: The Perplexing Case of the Missing Tourist Sub
Banhisha Kundu
July 04, 2023
Expedition
The whole world was taken up in a storm as the news broke out about the Titan submarine, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, that exploded in the Atlantic Ocean. The submarine set off
on an excursion to investigate the Titanic debris off the coast of Newfoundland and into the Atlantic, on June 18, but two hours later it lost contact.
The opulent excursion included a known Titanic specialist, a world record-holding explorer, two members of one of Pakistan's richest families, and the company's CEO. On Sunday, 18 June,
2023, the US Coast Guard joined forces with deep-water specialists from Canada, the UK, and France to launch a search operation for the Titan submarine, sparking a frantic multinational
rescue attempt. But yesterday, the US Coast Guard said the devastating deep-water implosion in the North Atlantic had left no survivors.
The Misfortune of R.M.S. Titanic
When the R.M.S. Titanic embarked on her maiden voyage in April 1912, it was believed to be unsinkable. The ship was an engineering wonder and a testimony to human aspiration and the
world's attention was captivated by the magnificence of the ship, with its sumptuous design and extravagant facilities. On April 14, however, doom was waiting on the door as the Titanic struck
an iceberg and sank, killing more than 1,500 people including passengers and crew.
Eventually, the tragedy of the Titanic had a significant influence on maritime history and safety laws. It led to a review of shipbuilding procedures, the installation of more stringent safety
regulations, and a study of communication systems. The tragedy also created an interest in the Titanic that has endured to this day as people continue to investigate, research, and remember the ship.
What, then, exactly happened to the innovative Titan submarine that OceanGate Expedition was operating on June 20, 2023?
The Star-crossed Titan
Titan, a 22-foot, made of carbon fiber and titanium was launched by the Polar Prince, a Canadian expedition ship, to descend approximately 13,000 feet to the wreckage site off the
coast of Newfoundland. After starting to dive, the Titan lost touch with the surface ship an hour and 45 minutes later, according to the US Coast Guard. Furthermore, a device that can assist in
retrieving large objects from the water was supplied by the US Navy. It was attempted to find the submersible underwater by using sonar and sonar buoys, which were deployed and the ocean's
surface was also examined by ships and aircraft from the US and Canada.
A few days later, on June 22, 2023, Thursday morning, the tail cone of the Titan as well as other fragments were discovered on the ocean floor, some 1,600 ft. from the bow of the submerged
Titanic, as reported by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Titan was the only crewed submersible in the world, claimed by OceanGate, that could carry five people up to 4,000 meters (13,100 ft.) below the ocean's surface.
The Victims of Titan Submersible
Stockton Rush
– Founder & CEO of OceanGate since 2009, the company that launch the Titan Expedition
Paul-Henri Nargeolet
– Famous as "Mr. Titanic" as he’s the one who led the first recovery dive to the Titanic wreckage in 1987
Hamish Harding
– Chairman of Action Aviation
Shahzada Dawood
– Vice chairman of Engro, a Pakistani energy investment company, and the Dawood Hercules Corp
Suleman Dawood
– The 19-years old son of Shahzada Dawood
But, Titan Wasn’t The Only One
In 1968, the USS Scorpion , a nuclear-powered submarine of the US Navy with 99 people on board, vanished in the Atlantic Ocean, serving as a warning of the dangers and
unpredictabilities involved with undersea research. The submarine was not discovered until years after it went missing, despite intensive search efforts, and the exact reason “why” is still
up for discussion.
The INS Sindhurakshak Kilo-class Type 877EKM submarine of the Indian Navy sunk on August 14, 2013, as an outcome of explosions brought on by an internal fire. Two torpedoes
exploded in the event due to a breach of standard operating procedures during torpedo loading, while the remaining 14 torpedoes disintegrated. 18 crew members lost their lives and their bodies
were recovered when the vessel was retrieved. The Sindhurakshak was originally meant to be salvaged, but on Navy Day 2015, it was destroyed. In June 2017, the submarine was
submerged in the Arabian Sea's 3000 meters of water by marine commandos.
A Russian submarine, Kursk , of the Oscar II class, drowned in the Barents Sea in August 2000 due to a high-test peroxide leak in the forward torpedo room. As a consequence, a
torpedo warhead exploded, setting off many more warhead explosions. The majority of the 118 sailors aboard the submarine died in the explosion and high-pressure saltwater deluge. 23
people made it out, but they succumbed to their injuries a few days later from a flash fire or asphyxia (oxygen deprivation). The Russian Navy were extensively criticised for taking too long
to accept international assistance during such a catastrophe.
Conspiracies And Controversies
The fate of the tourist sub on the Titanic expedition remains a mystery, with no concrete evidence. Theories suggest a malfunction, structural failure, underwater current, or conspiracy,
with some suggesting deliberate sabotage or cover-up by powerful entities. These theories often intertwine with larger narratives, such as the presence of valuable artifacts or hidden treasures
within the wreckage. The true fate of the subs remains a mystery, leaving room for endless conjecture and imagination.
UK broadcasting channel A have taken the controversial step of airing a documentary on the missing Titan submersible by OceanGate Expeditions and have found themselves to be under the fire of the world. A large section of people have criticized it as being "too soon" and claims that the documentary's creators are attempting to "capitalize" on it since the news has been trending.
A quick turnaround production firm, ITN, claims that the documentary would chronicle the continuing investigation into the disappearance of The Titan, a submersible ship.
On June 18, 2023, not long after setting out to investigate the wreckage of the RMS Titanic disaster, which is located approximately 400 miles (643.7 km) off the coast of Newfoundland, the Titan lost touch with its mothership, the Canadian research ship Polar Prince.
Expert Opinions
A significant viewpoint on the loss of the tourist subs has been offered by experts in maritime engineering, oceanography, and forensic analysis. A catastrophic breakdown, according to
others, seems improbable because of the sub's design and construction, which were strong enough to endure challenging underwater circumstances. Others draw attention to the inherent
hazards of deep-sea exploration and possible perils. Although forensic analysis has been used to put together the circumstances leading up to the sub's disappearance, the difficulty in drawing
firm conclusions from underwater investigations and the dearth of conclusive evidence make this task very difficult.
Recent Developments and New Leads
The loss of the tourist sub has raised attention due to developments in underwater technology and exploring methods. Unseen video shot close to the Titanic debris has been found, which is
just one of many fresh leads and potential discoveries that have surfaced. Advanced sonar systems, underwater drones, and AI-assisted data processing are being used by experts to
reevaluate the search region and find probable resting spots for the tourist sub. But only time will tell if these advancements bring an end to the enduring enigma surrounding the loss of the
tourist submarine.
Conclusion
The mystery surrounding the loss of the tourist submarine during the Titanic voyage continues to inspire curiosity and interest. The Titanic's appeal and the secrets hidden under her watery
grave are attested to by the daring and inquisitiveness of those engaged in the pursuit of knowledge and adventure. There is optimism that, as technology develops and our understanding of the ocean grows, we will one day discover the mysteries that have escaped us for so long.
In the meanwhile, we will keep thinking about the mystery surrounding the loss of the tourist sub while paying homage to those who dared to explore the unknown and never made it back home.
In the meanwhile, we will keep thinking about the mystery surrounding the loss of the tourist sub while paying homage to those who dared to explore the unknown and never made it back home.