Rescuers are engaged in a frantic search for the missing submersible named the Titan, which was on a mission to document the wreckage of the Titanic in the vast Atlantic Ocean.
The submersible was carrying five individuals, including a skilled pilot, a renowned British adventurer, two prominent Pakistani business family members, and another passenger. Concerns have escalated due to the limited oxygen supply available on board the Titan.
The submersible embarked on its expedition on Sunday morning, equipped with a 96-hour reserve of oxygen, according to David Concannon, an advisor to OceanGate, the company responsible for the mission. The urgency lies in the fact that time is running out for the passengers and crew.
Inside the Submersible Titan
The missing submersible relies on a combination of "off-the-shelf parts," including a video game controller for navigation. But it also features various mechanisms designed to bring it safely back to the surface in case of an emergency.
According to NPR, a former passenger described the interior as resembling a "minivan without seats," equipped with computer screens and a 21-inch round window through which occupants take turns observing the Titanic wreckage.
The Titan's design incorporates a game controller operated by one of the pilots, Stockton Rush, who also serves as the sub's designer and CEO. Despite its seemingly ordinary appearance, Rush emphasized its reliability and effectiveness in maneuvering the submersible.
The carbon fiber tube, a crucial component, was developed in collaboration with NASA and the University of Washington to ensure maximum safety. The international search and rescue operation to locate the missing submersible and its occupants is still ongoing as of Tuesday evening.
Preparation Process
CBS Sunday Morning correspondent David Pogue, who previously traveled on the Titan, shared insights into the preparation process and the potential challenges the current passengers face.
Pogue recounted the comprehensive tours he received of the Titan, both inside and outside, familiarizing himself with its components. He highlighted the multiple safety measures implemented, such as various means of resurfacing.
The submersible employs redundancy systems, including dropping sandbags and lead pipes, inflating a balloon, utilizing thrusters, and even getting rid of its own legs to shed weight.
Some of these mechanisms continue to function even in the absence of power or if the occupants are incapacitated, providing an added layer of safety.
Regarding the ongoing search efforts, Pogue expressed the difficulty of locating the missing vessel amidst six-foot-high waves and rough seas. The white submersible blending with the surroundings further complicates the search, making it challenging for airplanes to spot it within a vast area.
Pogue speculated that the possibility exists that the submersible is floating on the surface, which presents its own set of distressing circumstances. Due to the exterior bolts sealing the occupants inside, they would require external assistance to escape, potentially leaving them trapped despite being alive.
Reflecting on his own experience, Pogue revealed that his trip encountered complications when a mechanical issue arose, forcing the dive to be aborted at a depth of only 37 feet. He described his disappointment and surprise but acknowledged that such dives often face unforeseen challenges.
He explained that during OceanGate's expeditions to the Titanic wreckage, they typically manage to descend once or twice out of the scheduled five days, and this season has seen no successful dives thus far.
As the search continues for the missing Titan, hopes remain for the safe retrieval of the submersible and the well-being of its passengers and crew.
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