Encouraging signs in search for missing sub
An Australian submarine expert said “banging noises” have been detected in 30-minute intervals by rescuers searching for the Titan submersible — “encouraging” rescuers that the five people on board were still alive.
The Titan went missing in the Atlantic Ocean on June 18 around one hour and 45 minutes after commencing the dive.
Frank Owen, former Australian submarine officer and current search and rescue director, told the New York Post he is confident the noises are coming from inside of the Titan, and those aboard are well trained in emergency submarine situations.
“This tells me a huge amount,” he said.
“Onboard the Titan is the French former Navy diver, the Titanic expert [Paul-Henri Nargeolet]. But also because he’s a diver, he understands the way search forces look for submarines that are lost … submariners are taught that if they’re stuck in a disabled submarine on the hour and the half-hour they bang the hull for three minutes, then they stop. They don’t make any more noise.”
He added, “So the fact that we’re hearing banging at 30-minute internals tells me that the people inside are sending a message that says, ‘We understand that you would be looking for us and this is how you might expect us to react.’ So, it’s very encouraging.”
His comment come soon after authorities confirmed underwater “banging noises” were still heard in the area where the submersible disappeared on what proved to be a disastrous dive to explore The Titanic wreckage.
In a press conference held in Boston on June 21, The US Coast Guard said that more noises had been detected.
“A Canadian P3 detected underwater noises in the search area,” Captain Jamie Frederick said. “It is my understanding that the P3 heard noises today, as well.”
He said the attempts to identify the source of the noise had been so far unsuccessful. The Captain was also asked about the 30-minute intervals described in the internal Department of Homeland Security emails, to which he responded, “I hadn’t heard 30-minute intervals.”
He also said the data had been sent to the US Navy for analysis proved “inconclusive”. The important piece is we’re searching in the area where the noises were detected,” Captain Frederick said.
“We don’t know what they are, to be frank with you. We have to remain optimistic and hopeful,” he said of the noises.
Extra ships, specialised salvage equipment and US Navy experts converged on the tough search area in the North Atlantic as rescuers, who have gotten help from around the world, are concentrating their efforts near the sounds.
“We’re searching in the area where the noises were detected and we’ll continue to do so,” Captain Frederick said.
It comes in the wake of news that rescue crews exploring the depths of the Atlantic will receive help from the Victor 6000 robot — a highly advanced, deep-sea craft and one of the few vessels on Earth capable of reaching the wreck.
The Victor 600 is being rushed to the search site aboard French research vessel L’Atalante and was set to arrive about 12 hours before the oxygen supply on the Titan is expected to run out.
The Victor 6000 — a three metre long, remote-controlled robot with a bright yellow back has been described as a “flagship device for underwater operations”, by the French network BMTV, and is capable of reaching a depth of 6,000 metres.
With the Titanic lying 2,8000 metres beneath the waves on the ocean floor, the craft should have a good chance of reaching it.
A rescue would have the Victor 6000 accompany the Horizon Arctic, a powerful tug and supple ship which has a large cable the deep sea craft can take it down with it toward the wreck of the Titanic.
Victor 6000 is equipped with a robotic arm, which could be used for dislodging the missing Titan submersible if it is found trapped within the Titanic wreckage.
Image credit: Getty