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| In an undisclosed image, the Titan submersible, utilized by OceanGate Expeditions for the purpose of exploring the submerged wreckage of the SS Titanic near the shores of Newfoundland, is seen descending into the depths. The photograph was released by OceanGate Expeditions/Handout via REUTERS. |
London — Locating a van-sized submersible in the vast Atlantic Ocean without proper communication could present significant challenges, according to experts. The submersible is securely sealed with external bolts, making it impossible for the occupants to escape without assistance, even if it manages to surface.
In the event that the submersible, named Titan, is resting on the ocean floor, rescue operations would become even more arduous due to the extreme conditions that exist over 2 miles below the surface. The depth at which the Titanic currently rests is approximately 12,500 feet (3,810 meters), devoid of sunlight penetration. Specialized equipment is required to reach such depths without succumbing to the tremendous water pressure, which would crush ordinary devices.
Titanic expert Tim Matlin expressed doubts about the feasibility of a sub-to-sub rescue, citing the scarcity of submarines capable of reaching such depths. "I think if it's on the seabed, there are so few submarines that are capable of going that deep. And so, therefore, I think it was going to be almost impossible to effect a sub-to-sub rescue," Matlin stated.
The unfolding events have garnered the attention of US President Joe Biden, with White House national security adviser John Kirby confirming that the President is closely monitoring the situation. OceanGate, the company responsible for the submersible, has declared its commitment to exploring all available options. The US Coast Guard, led by Rear Admiral John Mauger, is actively assisting in guiding the search efforts, according to statements made to NBC News.
The sinking of the Titanic, a tragedy that claimed the lives of over 1,500 individuals, has achieved a lasting legacy through literature and film. The 1997 blockbuster movie "Titanic" reinvigorated public fascination with the wreck and its history.
