Survival Mode in Crisis: Insights from Former North Sea Diver on Missing Submarine “Titan”

Submarine carrying tourists to Titanic wreck goes missing in the Atlantic Ocean

A submarine that was supposed to take tourists to the wreck of the Titanic has disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean, sparking a large search and rescue operation. The submarine, named “Titan,” was carrying five people on board, including the famous French sailor and researcher Paul-Henry Nargeolet, who is considered the leading expert on the Titanic wreck.

Former North Sea diver Leif Morten Rasch expressed sympathy for the passengers on board the missing submarine. Rasch, who spent almost 15 years diving in the North Sea, understands the fear of being left at the bottom due to an accident. He emphasized the importance of the environment and team composition in such crisis situations.

Rasch explained that while one-atmospheric submarines like the one carrying the passengers are not his specialty, there are similarities in terms of pressure and cold. He highlighted the challenges of the CO₂ content, lack of oxygen, and cold that the passengers may face. Rasch mentioned the presence of scrubbers on board the submarine, which absorb CO₂ but require electricity. He also assumed the presence of emergency scrubbers and lime for emergencies.

The former diver also shed light on the challenges faced by divers in the past, such as the fear of the diving watch attachment breaking and being left at the bottom. He mentioned that accidents like these are avoided on board a vessel like the submarine, as the passengers are in one atmosphere.

Rasch acknowledged the long-term health problems and delayed injuries faced by North Sea divers, including depression and suicide. He currently works as a special adviser on diving in the social policy department of the LO confederation Industri Energi, advocating for the rights

What are some potential challenges that the passengers aboard the missing submarine may face in terms of the environment and team dynamics?

A submarine carrying tourists to explore the wreckage of the Titanic has gone missing in the Atlantic Ocean, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation. The vessel, named “Titan,” was on board with five individuals, including renowned French sailor and researcher Paul-Henry Nargeolet, who is considered an expert on the Titanic wreck.

Leif Morten Rasch, a former diver in the North Sea, expressed empathy for the passengers aboard the missing submarine. Having spent nearly 15 years diving in the North Sea, Rasch understands the fear of being stranded at the ocean floor due to an accident. He highlighted the criticality of the environment and team dynamics in such crisis situations.

Although one-atmospheric submarines like the missing vessel are not Rasch’s specialty, he pointed out similarities regarding pressure and cold. He emphasized the potential challenges the passengers may face, such as high CO₂ levels, oxygen scarcity, and extreme cold. Rasch noted the presence of CO₂ scrubbers on board the submarine, which absorb carbon dioxide but require electricity. He also assumed the presence of emergency scrubbers and lime for contingencies.

Rasch shed light on past difficulties faced by divers, including the fear of a diving watch attachment breaking and being stranded beneath the surface. He reassured that such accidents are avoided in submarines like the one missing, as the passengers are within a controlled atmosphere.

Moreover, Rasch acknowledged the long-term health issues and delayed injuries experienced by North Sea divers, including depression and suicide. Presently, he works as a special adviser on diving in the social policy department of the LO confederation Industri Energi, where he strives to advocate for diver’s rights and well-being.