Massive Search Underway for Missing Tourist Submersible at Titanic Wreck.

A large-scale search and rescue operation is currently taking place in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean after a tourist submarine went missing during a dive to explore the wreck of the Titanic.

The United States Coast Guard reported that contact with the small sub was lost approximately one hour and 45 minutes into its dive.

The tour company, OceanGate, stated that they are exploring all possible options to rescue the five people who were on board the submersible.

Tickets for this eight-day trip, which includes dives to the Titanic wreck at a depth of 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), cost $250,000 (£195,000).

Various government agencies, the US and Canadian navies, as well as commercial deep-sea companies, are collaborating to support the rescue operation.

Although the Titanic wreck is located around 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John’s, Newfoundland, the search mission is being coordinated from Boston, Massachusetts.

The missing submersible is believed to be OceanGate’s Titan, which is about the size of a truck and can hold five people.

It typically carries a four-day emergency supply of oxygen. Rear Admiral John Mauger of the US Coast Guard stated that there is a window of approximately 70 to 96 hours available to conduct the rescue operation.

The search efforts involve two aircraft, a submarine, and sonar buoys. However, the remote location of the search area has posed challenges for the operation. Rear Admiral Mauger emphasized that the rescue teams are personally invested in the mission and doing everything possible to bring the people on board the submersible back safely.

One of the individuals on the missing submarine is Hamish Harding, a 58-year-old British billionaire businessman and explorer. His family confirmed his participation in the mission.

The trip was initially delayed due to severe winter weather conditions in Newfoundland. However, a weather window opened up, prompting the attempt to dive.

OceanGate expressed their primary concern for the crew members and their families. They expressed gratitude for the extensive assistance provided by government agencies and deep-sea companies in the efforts to re-establish contact with the submersible.

The eight-day trip offered by OceanGate is advertised as an extraordinary opportunity to explore something beyond everyday life. The company owns three submersibles, with only the Titan capable of reaching the depths necessary to reach the Titanic wreckage.

The vessel weighs 23,000 pounds (10,432 kilograms) and can reach depths of up to 13,100 feet. It provides 96 hours of life support for a crew of five.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of underwater communication technology such as GPS and radio, it is currently impossible to communicate with the missing submersible.

David Pogue, a CBS reporter who previously traveled in the Titan submersible, explained that even when the support ship is directly above the submersible, communication is limited to short text messages.

He also mentioned that the passengers inside the submersible cannot escape on their own since they are sealed inside with bolts applied from the outside.

The search and rescue operation is ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to locate and rescue the missing submersible and its occupants.

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