In a terrifying and potentially tragic incident, a submersible vessel heading towards the Titanic wreck has gone missing under the sea, carrying five people. Here's what we know so far...
As the available oxygen levels inside the craft diminish by the hour, search-and-rescue teams are frantically searching for the missing watercraft.
What has happened to the submersible?
The vessel, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, went missing after it failed to return to the Canadian research ship from which it was launched on Sunday morning. The crew lost contact with the submersible's captain, leading to escalating concern over its whereabouts.
"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.”
However, he emphasized that it is still a search-and-rescue mission, which gives hope to the families and friends of the passengers on board.
As the situation remains critical, Rear Adm. John Mauger has stated, per the New York Post: "We're doing everything we can do to locate the submersible and rescue those on board.” He further added that there is an estimated 70 to 96 hours of oxygen left, according to the submersible's emergency capability.
Both aircraft and ships have been employed in the search.
Where did the submersible go missing?
The search effort, led by the US Coast Guard, is focused on an area approximately 900 miles off the coast of Cape Cod at a depth of nearly 13,000 feet.
If successful, this will be the deepest-ever rescue mission in history, presenting unique challenges due to the record-breaking depth and remoteness of the location.
Who is on the submersible?
Hamish Harding, a world explorer and British businessman known for his adventurous pursuits, is among the missing. His family confirmed his presence on the submersible in a Facebook post. Harding had previously embarked on a space ride aboard the Blue Origin rocket last year.
The New York Post has also revealed that father Shanzada Dawood, 48, and his son Sulaiman, 19, are also onboard the vessel, according to comments made by their family members. Dawood is vice chairman of the Pakistani energy manufacturing and tech conglomerate Engro Corporation
Another name placed aboard the submersible is 77-year-old deep diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, who previously led the first expedition to the Titanic wreckage back in 1987 after retiring from the French navy. Nargeolet has appeared in several films and documentaries about the Titanic, as he currently serves as the director of underwater research company RMS Titanic Inc.
Finally, another missing person to be named is 61-year-old Stockton Rush, the founder and CEO of OceanGate.
What is the submersible?
The missing sub, known as the Titan submersible, is operated by OceanGate Expeditions, a company that offers tourists the unique opportunity to explore the Titanic’s wreckage over two miles below the ocean’s surface for a whopping $250,000 per ticket.
The Titan usually operates with one chief pilot, three crew members, and the daring tourists ready for the underwater adventure.
It is known as a "submersible" and not a "submarine" due to the fact the vessel doesn’t have enough power to launch itself into the ocean and return on its own.
David Concannon, an advisor to OceanGate, disclosed that authorities are working to get a remotely operated vehicle capable of reaching depths of up to 20,000 feet to the site of the missing sub.
Mixon provided some insight into the conditions likely being faced by the passengers aboard the lost submersible. "From what I understand, the vessels are not designed for long-range, multi-day excursions," Mixson told Fox News. "So it's going to be a very, very uncomfortable, dark experience with a lot of hope and prayers," he added.
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