A race against time is underway as search teams strive to rescue the passengers trapped on a submarine bound for the Titanic wreck. On Tuesday night, three US Air Force planes delivered vital equipment and tools to Canada, marking the final opportunity for a successful rescue operation.
The enormous C-17 Globemasters, presumed to have flown from New Jersey and North Carolina, landed at St. John’s Airport in Newfoundland late Tuesday. Upon arrival, flatbed trucks, accompanied by a police escort, promptly received the urgently needed cargo. The trucks then transported the equipment to the waiting Horizon Arctic, a Canadian supply ship. Shortly after, the ship embarked on a 15-hour, 400-mile voyage to the area where the OceanGate Expeditions’ Titan submarine went missing.
A witness at the dock, who claimed to be part of the Horizon Arctic crew, expressed the significance of this rescue attempt as the last chance. He stressed that the remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) carried on board was the only hope for a successful outcome. The individual voiced his optimism but acknowledged the potential tragedy if the submersible was not located, describing it as a tragedy on top of an existing tragedy.
Reports indicate that the shipped equipment included a large roll of sturdy cable, two sizable machines with blue frames labeled with a “high voltage” sign, and two robust Hyundai winches. Additionally, a crate marked Pelagic Research Services, a Massachusetts-based company specializing in deep-sea rescue equipment, was also loaded onto the vessel.
Pelagic Research Services confirmed on its website that it had been contacted by OceanGate Expeditions to provide crucial support for the ongoing rescue operation of the Titan submersible in the North Atlantic. The company assured that it was mobilizing as swiftly and safely as possible to assist in the search and rescue efforts.
An airport official in Newfoundland reported the arrival of a 7-foot-long submersible called Odysseus 6K, which is capable of diving to depths of 19,000 feet. This submersible was associated with Pelagic Research Services.
Canadian Coast Guard Captain Jamie Frederick addressed the press, revealing that the Titan had approximately 40 hours of oxygen remaining. When asked about the timely arrival of the Horizon Arctic, he expressed uncertainty but affirmed their commitment to do everything within their power to effect a rescue. Captain Frederick highlighted the complexity of the search operation, involving logistical challenges, time constraints, and the need for meticulous coordination to deploy necessary assets.
The situation revolves around a tourist expedition to explore the Titanic wreckage, during which the Titan submersible, carrying five passengers, disappeared with an estimated four days’ worth of oxygen. The US Coast Guard emphasized their focus on locating the sub before deploying a vessel capable of reaching the depths of 12,500 feet where the Titanic rests. Although they currently lack a submarine capable of such depths, efforts are underway to ensure preparedness if and when the Titan sub is found.
By Tuesday afternoon, authorities revealed that only 40 hours of oxygen remained on board the Titan. Mauger, the first district commander leading the search-and-rescue mission, confirmed collaboration between the US and Canada for the operation.
Late Tuesday, the US Coast Guard announced the establishment of a “unified command” with their Canadian counterparts and OceanGate Expeditions. This unified command brings together multiple agencies with specialized equipment and expertise necessary for the complex search effort.
The Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Glace Bay is also en route to the site, equipped with a six-person hyperbaric recompression chamber. However, its arrival is not expected until midday Thursday. Dr. Ken Ledez, a hyperbaric medicine specialist, highlighted the potential risks faced by the five individuals if they are still alive, including hypothermia, oxygen deprivation, and an excess of carbon dioxide. As time passes, their mobility, cognitive abilities, and consciousness will deteriorate due to the extreme cold. In the event of oxygen depletion, loss of consciousness will occur rapidly. Even if air supply remains, the absence of electrical power and the inability to filter out carbon dioxide pose significant risks. Dr. Ledez suggested that disassembling the carbon dioxide filtration equipment and dispersing it on the submarine’s floor might be a last-ditch effort to prolong their survival.
The missing individuals on the sub are Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate Expeditions, French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, British billionaire Hamish Harding, and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son, Sulaiman.
A glimmer of hope has emerged as Canadian military aircraft detected underwater sounds every 30 minutes in the vicinity where the Titan lost contact with its support ship.
{Matzav.com}
Why do I doubt that the Governments of Britain, France & Pakistan will reimburse the US and Canada for trying to save their nationals? Why do I seriously doubt that even if these billionaires are rescued they still won’t reimburse the US and Canada for the cost incurred for the rescue?
Why is it always WE the taxpayers who have to bail out these reckless thrill seekers?! Why is it the responsibility of OUR military to spend millions of dollars just to save these idiots? It’s the sole responsibility of the company that’s taking them! What the military is doing is illegal.