A submersible carrying five individuals vanished during an expedition to the Titanic wreckage, prompting a challenging rescue operation. John Mixson, a retired U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant commander with experience in search and rescue, described the situation as "extremely serious" and "dire." He highlighted the limited design of such vessels for extended voyages, suggesting the passengers are likely facing a harrowing ordeal.
OceanGates' submersible options, including the Titan and Cyclops 1, are not typically intended for long-duration trips.
Despite the gravity of the circumstances, Mixson emphasized that the operation remains classified as a search and rescue mission, offering a glimmer of hope for those on board and their families. He stressed the unusual nature of such incidents, underscoring the likelihood of a sudden and unfortunate event.
The Coast Guard, spearheaded by crews from Boston, is actively searching for the missing submersible, which disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean while exploring the Titanic. The vessel was reported overdue on Sunday evening, and its whereabouts remain unknown.
The submersible, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, allows tourists to visit the Titanic wreckage. Mixson acknowledged the difficulty of determining the cause of the communication loss without locating the vessel. He also noted the complexity of underwater rescues, highlighting the capabilities of both the Coast Guard and Navy for such operations.
The search area is located approximately 900 miles east of Cape Cod, at a depth of about 13,000 feet. The OceanGate website indicates the submersible's life support system can sustain five people for up to 96 hours.
The Coast Guard confirmed the Titan had one commander and four mission specialists on board. Mixson expressed optimism due to the ongoing search and rescue classification, emphasizing the continued hope for survivors within the initial 36 hours.
