A Submarine Taking Tourists to Titanic Wreck Has Gone Missing

BBC News reported on the ongoing search for the submarine vessel used by tourists to visit the Titanic wreck.

So far, there are no confirmed details about the submarine’s disappearance. It is not clear under what circumstances the vessel disappeared, nor is it clear whether people who had purchased a tour of the wreck of the British liner were on board.

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The vessel usually operates with a 4 day of oxygen/scrubber supply.

The air scrubber system in OceanGate’s Titan submarine plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and breathable atmosphere for the crew during deep-sea dives. This sophisticated life support system is designed to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the cabin’s air, ensuring that the occupants have a continuous supply of fresh air. The scrubber system primarily relies on a chemical process involving a CO₂-absorbent material, typically a mixture of lithium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, which binds with the CO2 molecules, effectively removing them from the circulated air. As the crew members breathe and release CO₂, the scrubber system continuously filters the cabin air, maintaining a healthy and comfortable environment throughout the dive. Additionally, the life support system on Titan includes other essential components such as oxygen monitoring, temperature control, and humidity regulation, all working together to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew during their underwater missions.

What we do know at this point is that the Boston Coast Guard told the BBC that a search operation began on June 19.

The wreck of the legendary ship rests in the Atlantic Ocean at a depth of over 3,800 meters and about 600 kilometers off the coast of Newfoundland.

The world’s most famous wreck was found in 1985 by an expedition, led by Jean-Louis Michel and Robert Ballard.

The RMS Titanic sank in 1912 during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. More than 1,500 of the 2,200 passengers sailing to America died that day.

Over the years, many legends and theories have circulated about the sinking, which has not been dispelled to this day. A collision with an iceberg is claimed as the main cause of the Titanic’s sinking. Perhaps this issue can be clarified by the recently created 3D model of the Titanic wreck, which is based on more than 700,000 photos.

Technical data on the Titanic missing sub:

OceanGate is a company that designs and manufactures manned submersibles for deep-sea exploration. Their flagship submarine, Titan, is a state-of-the-art vessel capable of diving to depths of up to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). Here are some key technical specifications of the OceanGate Titan submarine:

1. Dimensions: Titan measures approximately 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length, 2.6 meters (8.5 feet) in height, and 2.8 meters (9 feet) in width.
2. Weight: The submarine has a dry weight of around 8,600 kg (19,000 lbs).
3. Hull Material: Titan’s pressure hull is constructed from carbon fiber and titanium, providing exceptional strength and durability while minimizing weight.
4. Propulsion: The submarine utilizes electric thrusters for propulsion, offering precise maneuverability and low noise levels during operation.
5. Power Supply: Titan’s power source consists of advanced lithium-ion battery systems that provide extended dive times and efficient energy consumption.
6. Life Support System: The submarine is equipped with a sophisticated life support system, including CO2 scrubbers, oxygen monitoring, and temperature control, ensuring the safety and comfort of the crew during dives.
7. Crew Capacity: Titan can accommodate five people – one pilot and four passengers – comfortably within its spacious, climate-controlled cabin.
8. Viewing: The large viewport (dome) made of acrylic provides a nearly unobstructed 360-degree view for the crew, allowing them to observe and document their surroundings with ease.
9. Communication: The submarine is equipped with underwater communication systems, enabling communication with surface support vessels and other submersibles.
10. Navigation & Sonar: Titan features state-of-the-art navigation systems, including GPS, Doppler Velocity Log (DVL), and high-resolution imaging sonar to aid in underwater navigation and obstacle avoidance.

The OceanGate Titan submarine represents a significant advancement in deep-sea exploration, providing scientists, researchers, and adventurers with a safe and comfortable platform for studying and experiencing the wonders of the ocean depths.

OceanGate’s Titan, a cutting-edge manned submersible, embarked on its highly anticipated first expedition to the Titanic in May 2021. This historic journey marked a significant milestone for both the company and deep-sea exploration, as Titan’s advanced technology enabled the team to reach depths of up to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), allowing them to explore the legendary shipwreck site in unprecedented detail. The expedition aimed to document the current state of the Titanic, study its rate of decay, and gather valuable data for ongoing research into the ship’s history and the marine environment surrounding it. This groundbreaking voyage demonstrated the immense potential of OceanGate’s Titan submersible for furthering our understanding of the deep ocean and its hidden treasures.