More than three days after the submarine disappeared near the wrecks of the “Titanic” in the North Atlantic, hopes that the missing people will survive are fading. If the “Titan” is still intact at all, oxygen may only be on board for a few hours. Rescue workers intensified the feverish search. Knocking sounds in between gave hope – but this is now disappearing …
The sounds, recorded Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, had fueled hopes of finding the submarine with its occupants. According to an internal memo from the US government, the noises would have appeared at regular intervals.
According to an American expert, the sounds, which were interpreted as knocking, could have many causes. “From my experience with acoustics, I can tell you that there are sounds made by biological matter that, to the untrained ear, are made by humans,” says Carl Hartsfield of the Oceanographic Systems Laboratory.
They can also come from ships in the search area. David Marquet, a retired US Navy captain, says the data offers at least some hope. Regular knocking is exactly the kind of sound prisoners would make to indicate they were still alive, he told the BBC.
Oxygen on board for 96 hours
According to the operator, the 6.70 meter long “Titan” has enough oxygen to supply five people with oxygen for 96 hours, so until about 13:30 CET. But even after that, people would probably first become unconscious and not die immediately, according to a professor of hyperbaric medicine at the BB. There is still hope to find her alive.
Even if the capsule is found, recovery may take some time. Conditions are tough near the “Titanic”, nearly 430 miles south of Newfoundland. It is pitch dark, the water pressure is extreme.
Abuses become public
In the meantime, numerous abuses of the 250,000-euro tourist attraction have become public. The OceanGate company had numerous problems that had been known for years. In addition, the submarine is controlled with an “Xbox controller”. In addition, “used construction pipes” were said to have been used during construction.
Video: breathing air in the submarine is running out
“Rescue, Not Recovery”
When asked, the local search coordinator also spoke of a possible failure of the mission given the closing time window: “Sometimes we don’t find what we’re looking for.” Then it happens “that you have to make a difficult decision . But we are not there yet,” he said. It is important to remain “optimistic and hopeful”. It is still a rescue operation and not a recovery mission.
The costs of the company are likely to run into the millions. Who will eventually wear them has yet to be clarified and also depends, among other things, on whether the participants had taken out special insurance for the adventure.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
