According to the private company operating the vessel, a submarine that was on a tourism expedition to explore the wreckage of the Titanic has gone missing off the southeastern coast of Canada.
OceanGate Expeditions released a brief statement on Monday, expressing their efforts to rescue those aboard and stating that they are utilizing all available options. The exact number of missing individuals remains unclear, and the US Coast Guard has not yet provided any comments but is reportedly engaged in search-and-rescue operations based on media reports.
OceanGate expressed gratitude for the support received from various government agencies and deep sea companies in their endeavor to reestablish contact with the submersible.
Notably, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, who worked alongside Titanic expert Larry Daley during his first dive to the Titanic 20 years ago, is also on the submarine. The Atlantic Ocean is currently witnessing a search and rescue operation after the disappearance of the submarine, which was used to transport tourists to explore the Titanic wreckage.
OceanGate conducts this annual voyage to document the gradual deterioration of the Titanic, which sank in 1912, leaving only approximately 700 survivors out of the roughly 2,200 passengers and crew. Since its discovery in 1985, the wreckage has been gradually deteriorating due to corrosive bacteria.
Some experts predict that the ship may completely vanish within a few decades as the hull develops holes and sections disintegrate. In 2021, the initial group of tourists paid a considerable sum ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 per person for the opportunity to embark on this trip.
All in all, the disappearance of the submarine during the tourism expedition to explore the Titanic wreckage has prompted a search and rescue operation. Efforts are underway to rescue those on board, while the deterioration of the Titanic serves as a reminder of its historical significance and fragility.
The incident highlights the risks associated with exploring submerged sites and may lead to a review of safety measures in future expeditions.
