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The search for the missing submarine carrying five individuals who ventured to explore the Titanic wreck site has intensified as rescuers expand the search area. Additional boats and underwater vehicles have joined the critical mission, which enters a decisive phase.
The submersible, assuming it remains intact, is facing a dwindling oxygen supply that may run out around 10:00 GMT (06:00 EDT) on Thursday. The duration for which the oxygen will last depends on various factors.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSonar buoys, deployed from aircraft or ships, detected more signals for a second consecutive day, as reported by the US Coast Guard on Wednesday. Capt Jamie Frederick, speaking at a press conference in Boston, revealed that Canadian search planes picked up underwater noises on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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These findings prompted the search team to shift their focus to the area where the sounds were detected. The US Navy is assisting in the analysis of these unidentified noises, while underwater searches in the vicinity have not yielded any results thus far.
As more boats and underwater vehicles arrive, search operations will recommence in the original search area. The total expanse being scoured covers approximately 26,000 square kilometers (10,000 square miles), twice the size of Connecticut.
Capt Frederick emphasized the unwavering hope of the search team, stating, “This is a search and rescue operation 100%.” Presently, five surface vessels are engaged in the search, with an additional five en route to the location. Furthermore, several more remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) will join the underwater search efforts on Thursday morning.
Among the vessels en route is the French ship L’Atalante, equipped with a robot capable of reaching depths of 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) and the capacity to lift the Titan submersible to the surface.
Rear Admiral John Mauger of the US Coast Guard explained that the submersible is believed to have an emergency life-support system on board for oxygen supply, though reserves are depleting. However, the rate of oxygen consumption per occupant remains uncertain, making it challenging to estimate the remaining supply accurately.
The missing 21-foot vessel carries British businessman Hamish Harding, British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, his son Suleman, former French navy diver Paul-Henry Nargeolet, and Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, the company operating the submersible. The search operation continues tirelessly, with the hope of a successful rescue of the missing individuals.
