NEWS ARTICLE
Title: Submersible Used for Titanic Wreck Viewing Goes Missing in Atlantic Ocean
Image source: Reuters
Image caption: The Titanic sits 3,800m (12,500ft) down at the bottom of the Atlantic (file image)
Date: June 19, 2023
A submersible used to take people on expeditions to view the wreck of the Titanic has gone missing in the Atlantic Ocean. The Boston Coastguard has confirmed that a search and rescue operation is currently underway off the coast of Newfoundland.
The exact number of people aboard the missing submersible remains unclear at this time. Small submersibles are occasionally used to transport paying tourists and experts to explore the famous wreck, which lies approximately 3,800m (12,500ft) beneath the ocean surface.
OceanGate Expeditions, a private company specializing in deep-sea expeditions, recently posted on its social media platforms that one of its expeditions was “under way.” However, the company has not yet commented on the reports or confirmed whether one of its submersibles is currently missing.
The company offers an eight-day expedition to see the Titanic wreck, charging guests $250,000 (£195,270) for a place on their carbon-fiber submersible. The trip is described as a unique opportunity to step outside of everyday life and discover something truly extraordinary.
According to OceanGate Expeditions’ website, one expedition is currently ongoing, with two more planned for June 2024. The submersible can accommodate up to five people, typically including a pilot, three paying guests, and one “content expert.” The entire dive, including the descent and ascent, reportedly takes approximately eight hours.
The Titanic, which lies 3,800m (12,500ft) beneath the surface at the bottom of the Atlantic, is located approximately 600km (370 miles) off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The passenger liner, known as the largest ship of its time, tragically sank after hitting an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York in 1912. Out of the 2,200 passengers and crew onboard, more than 1,500 lost their lives.
Since the discovery of the wreck in 1985, the Titanic has been extensively explored. The ship is divided into two parts, with the bow and stern separated by about 800m (2,600ft), surrounded by a vast debris field.
In recent news, a full-sized digital scan of the wreck was created using deep-sea mapping techniques. This scan provides a detailed representation of the ship’s scale and even reveals minute details, such as the serial number on one of the propellers.
The BBC has reached out to OceanGate Expeditions for comment on the missing submersible. Further updates on the search and rescue operation will be provided as more information becomes available.
Related Topics:
– Deep-sea expeditions
– Titanic wreck exploration
– OceanGate Expeditions
– Atlantic Ocean
– Newfoundland
– Underwater exploration
– Maritime history
More on this story:
– Submersible used for Titanic wreck viewing goes missing in the Atlantic Ocean
– Search and rescue operation underway off the coast of Newfoundland
– Unclear how many people were aboard the missing submersible
– OceanGate Expeditions’ ongoing expedition and future plans
– Titanic wreck’s location and historical significance
– Extensive exploration and recent digital scan of the wreck
What specific advanced technology and safety measures does the company employ in their submersibles to ensure the comfort and security of their passengers?
Company boasts that their submersibles are equipped with advanced technology and safety measures to ensure the comfort and security of their passengers.
The disappearance of the submersible raises concerns about the safety protocols in place and the potential risks involved in exploring such deep-sea wrecks. The Boston Coastguard, along with other authorities, is conducting an extensive search and rescue operation to locate the missing submersible and its occupants.
The Titanic wreck, a symbol of one of the most tragic maritime disasters in history, has continuously fascinated people around the world. The recently released full-sized digital scan of the wreck has provided unprecedented views of the Titanic, allowing researchers and enthusiasts to study and learn more about the ship’s condition and the impact of its sinking.
However, it is important to note that the missing submersible incident is unrelated to the creation of the full-sized scan. The scan was the result of deep-sea mapping efforts and technological advancements, offering a new perspective on the Titanic’s remains.
As search and rescue efforts continue, it is hoped that the missing submersible and its passengers will be located safely. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks associated with deep-sea exploration and underscores the importance of stringent safety measures in such endeavors.
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This is a tragic and ironic turn of events. The submersible tasked with viewing the iconic Titanic wreck is now missing. Hopefully, it can be located soon, along with its crew, ensuring their safe return.