…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
A submersible used for taking tourists to explore the wreckage of the Titanic has gone missing in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Boston Coastguard has initiated a search and rescue operation off the coast of Newfoundland, with efforts focused on locating the missing vehicle.
The submersible is owned by OceanGate Expeditions, a company specializing in deep-sea expeditions, and it had people on board at the time of disappearance.
OceanGate Expeditions is working tirelessly to explore all available options to ensure the safe return of the crew members, expressing their utmost concern for their well-being and the well-being of their families.
Titanic Disaster in 1912: Key Details
The RMS Titanic embarked on its ill-fated journey from Southampton, England, on April 10, 1912, destined for the United States.
Four days later, the ship struck an iceberg near Newfoundland, Canada, resulting in severe damage and flooding.
The collision occurred during the nighttime, when the lookouts stationed in the crow’s nest failed to spot the iceberg.
The Titanic broke apart and sank to its final resting place approximately 12,000 feet below sea level, resting over 350 nautical miles off the coast of Newfoundland.
Loss of Life: Tragic Consequences
The Titanic carried 2,240 passengers and crew members when it set sail.
Unfortunately, the disaster claimed the lives of 1,503 individuals, including 815 passengers and 688 crew members.
Due to a limited number of lifeboats available, only a third of the passengers were able to escape the sinking ship.
Presently, there are no surviving individuals who experienced the Titanic tragedy firsthand, as the last living survivor, Millvina Dean, passed away in 2009 at the age of 97.
Millvina Dean, a nine-week-old infant at the time, was accompanied by her mother and brother in a lifeboat, while her father did not survive.
Captain Smith and Inquiries into Responsibility
Captain Edward Smith, the captain of the Titanic, also perished in the disaster.
Speculation arose regarding the alleged pressure Captain Smith faced from the ship’s owner, White Star Line, to maintain a high speed.
Following the tragedy, both the United States and the United Kingdom conducted inquiries to determine the extent of the White Star Line’s liability.
The British inquiry concluded that Captain Smith was not at fault, emphasizing his exercise of discretion and lack of negligence.
It highlighted how Captain Smith encouraged his crew to act honorably during the ship’s final moments, prioritizing the safety of women and children.
Titanic’s Specifications and Current Discoveries
At the time of its construction in Belfast, the Titanic held the distinction of being the largest object ever to navigate the waters.
Measuring 852.5 feet in length and featuring seven decks, the ship boasted 16 watertight compartments, contributing to claims that it was practically unsinkable.
However, the title of the world’s largest ship has since been claimed by the Wonder of the Seas, a vessel measuring 1,187 feet in length and capable of accommodating 8,000 passengers.
Efforts to locate the Titanic began soon after its sinking, but due to technical limitations and the vast search area, it took 73 years to find the wreckage.
In 1985, a joint US-French team discovered the remains of the Titanic 400 miles east of Newfoundland in the North Atlantic.
Nowadays, explorers have the opportunity to descend in submarines and witness the wreckage firsthand.
A recent expedition departing from Canada offers an eight-day journey, sailing 380 miles offshore to reach the Titanic site.
Participants can spend several hours exploring the wreck and debris field before resurfacing.