Following the terrifying disappearance of a submersible vessel en route to the Titanic wreckage, the US Coast Guard has revealed that there could be "about 40 hours of breathable air left" for those onboard.
The submersible, which was carrying five people at the time of its disappearance, has been operating about 900 miles east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, when it lost contact with a Canadian research vessel on Sunday morning.
This devastating occurrence has led to an intensive search by U.S. and Canadian authorities, described as "an incredibly complex operation" by Coast Guard Capt. Jamie Frederick, per CBS News. According to him, there is "about 40 hours of breathable air left", based on an earlier estimate that the submersible embarked on its mission with an initial 96 hours of available oxygen.
In a desperate race against the clock, authorities are making every effort to locate the missing submarine. "We will do everything in our power to affect a rescue," pledged Frederick, "...There is a full-court press effort to get equipment on scene as quickly as we can."
An ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) has also been deployed at the site and has a camera on board, per Sky News.
The vessel in question is the Titan, a submersible operated by OceanGate Expeditions - whose team is also assisting with the search.
The loss of contact with the submersible's captain after its Sunday launch has led to growing concerns about its location and the safety of its passengers. "This isn't a common occurrence at all," said John Mixson, a retired US Coast Guard lieutenant commander. “Obviously, something very rapid and very tragic took place.”
Despite the severity of the situation, the mission remains one of search and rescue. There remains hope for the families and friends of those onboard, with Rear Adm. John Mauger stating that the search effort will not cease until every avenue is explored.
The Titan's known passengers include British businessman and world explorer, Hamish Harding. His family confirmed his presence on the missing submersible via Facebook.
Also onboard are father and son, Shanzada Dawood, 48, and Sulaiman, 19, of the Pakistani tech conglomerate Engro Corporation; deep diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, a veteran of Titanic expeditions; and OceanGate founder and CEO, 61-year-old Stockton Rush.
The missing submersible offers tourists a unique exploration of the Titanic's wreckage, located over two miles below the ocean's surface. Each ticket for this exclusive underwater adventure costs a staggering $250,000.
David Concannon, an adviser to OceanGate, revealed that they're mobilizing a remotely operated vehicle capable of reaching 20,000 feet to aid in the search.
This unprecedented incident brings to light the dangers of deep-sea exploration. Mixson added that the passengers are likely facing extremely uncomfortable and dark conditions. "From what I understand, the vessels are not designed for long-range, multi-day excursions. So it's going to be a very, very uncomfortable, dark experience with a lot of hope and prayers," he shared.
As the remaining hours of oxygen on board the Titan dwindle, the race to locate and rescue those aboard this ill-fated adventure becomes ever more urgent.
Our thoughts go out to everybody involved and to those embarking on the rescue mission.
