A desperate search is underway for the OceanGate Titan submersible, which vanished during a dive to the Titanic wreckage. With only an estimated 40-41 hours of breathable air remaining, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, the chances of rescuing the five people on board are diminishing rapidly.
Experts in the deep-sea vehicle industry express grave concerns about the immense depth of the wreckage site, the lack of communication with the submersible, and the shrinking window of opportunity for a successful rescue operation. The submersible was lost on Sunday while transporting passengers to the Titanic, which lies approximately 12,500 feet below sea level.
While the Coast Guard operates under the assumption that the vessel did not experience a catastrophic implosion, a fear voiced by some experts, the dwindling oxygen supply adds immense pressure to the search efforts. A specialist in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), commonly known as drones, described the situation to Fox News Digital as having “math that’s not great.”
Few manned vehicles worldwide are capable of reaching such depths and offering rescue capabilities. Reports indicate that none are currently close enough to provide immediate assistance. Hope, albeit limited, rests on an unmanned operation.
Submersibles engineer Steve Somlyody suggests that a drone might be able to locate the submersible and potentially attach a line for recovery. However, rescuing the people inside remains a significant challenge. The silence since Sunday adds another layer of concern. Somlyody notes that even if conscious, the occupants’ attempts to tap on the hull might be difficult to detect due to the way sound travels through stratified water.
While the Pentagon confirmed its assistance in the search, primarily through aerial support with C-130 aircraft, Somlyody speculates that the U.S. Navy may have deployed a submarine to listen for sounds from the OceanGate. The extreme depth, however, would preclude a traditional submarine from directly reaching the submersible.
Experts believe drones offer the most viable option for reaching the Titan and potentially rescuing its passengers. However, a specialist in autonomous underwater systems emphasized the complex integration and software requirements for such operations, casting doubt on the feasibility of a rapid drone deployment for this specific rescue mission.
The expert also highlighted the inherent risks of deep-sea exploration for thrill-seeking purposes, questioning the safety protocols and regulatory oversight of such ventures.
