VOL 66: Titanic Sub Crash: Humans Enduring Pursuit of Exploration

A Test of the Human Spirit

Over a century ago, a historic maritime disaster unfolded, leaving an indelible mark in history. The ill-fated vessel, widely renowned as the Titanic or the Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Titanic, met its tragic fate on the night of April 14-15, 1912.

This opulent British passenger liner embarked on its inaugural journey from Southampton, England, bound for New York City. However, its voyage was abruptly interrupted when it collided with an iceberg, causing catastrophic damage. The calamity claimed the lives of around 1,500 passengers and crew, etching a sorrowful chapter in the annals of maritime history.

In 1985, researchers successfully identified the precise position of the Titanic wreckage on the ocean floor. As a result, the sinking of the Titanic has acquired significant historical significance, serving as inspiration for numerous stories, movies, musicals, and extensive academic investigations and conjectures by experts.

Individuals have since been conducting deep-sea expeditions to the Titanic's sunken ruins, with the goal of investigating, analysing, and even offering guided tours of the site.

On June 19, 2023, a submersible named the Titan went missing while on a dive into the wreck of the Titanic. The submersible was carrying five people, including a pilot, a retired French naval officer, and three paying passengers. The Titan was operated by the underwater tourism company OceanGate Expeditions.

The Titan submersible offered a unique opportunity to explore this legendary site, and the people on board were no doubt excited to be part of this adventure.

Contact with the Titan was lost about an hour and 45 minutes into the dive. The submersible had a four-day oxygen supply, but it was unclear whether it had surfaced or had remained underwater. The US Coast Guard and other agencies launched a search and rescue operation.

But the search for the missing Titan submersible came to an end on June 22, 2023, when the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that debris found near the Titanic's wreck were those of the lost submersible. All five men on board died when the Titan experienced a "catastrophic implosion.”

Pic courtesy: New York Post

The scientist who tragically passed away aboard the OceanGate Titan submersible had previously undertaken this journey an impressive 37 times. The owner of OceanGate that also died with his Titan sub has made the trip at least three times. While it is natural for some to question the notion, it is equally inherent within our human nature to pursue such adventures, as it is deeply ingrained in us.

Accidents are an unfortunate reality, encompassing plane crashes, ship sinkings, train collisions, and car accidents. Such occurrences are not uncommon. The unfortunate incident involving the Titan Sub 5 will not deter individuals from venturing into the depths of the ocean or maintaining their interest in touring or examining the Titanic wreckage situated on the ocean floor. This pursuit will persist.

And there is nothing foolish about it. Such a courageous mindset and passion for exploration are the driving forces behind the progress of human civilization. This is exemplified by Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who is credited with masterminding the first expedition to circumnavigate the world.

This same spirit of daring and thirst for adventure led people like David Livingstone to embark on a journey across the seas, reaching the shores of Africa. He was the first European to cross the continent from west to east and to discover the Zambesi River, Victoria Falls and several major central African lakes

This same tenacity and passion for adventure can be found in the visionary endeavours of figures like Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. Their indomitable spirit propelled them to achieve an extraordinary feat on May 29, 1953, when they triumphantly reached the summit of Mount Everest, standing proudly at its pinnacle towering 29,035 feet. Hillary and Norgay etched their names in history as the first individuals to conquer the formidable Mount Everest, a testament to their unwavering determination.

Undertaking such endeavours requires bravery, determination, and profound curiosity. The pursuit of knowledge and progress for humanity is commendable. Therefore, it is unnecessary to engage in speculation about the motives behind these explorations. It is perfectly acceptable not to know.

James Cameron, the renowned director of the film Titanic, has personally made 33 visits to the Titanic site. Additionally, he has ventured to the Mariana Trench, a location three times deeper than where the Titanic rests. Hence, it remains puzzling why such accidents occur, despite the extensive experience and expertise involved.

The same inherent drive that compelled these individuals to venture into the depths with the ill-fated Ocean Gate submersible in search of the Titanic is reminiscent of the intrepid spirit that propelled explorers to discover new frontiers, conquer vast oceans, traverse the poles, brave deserts, and scale towering mountains. Throughout history, lives have been lost in these daring pursuits.

We have always been drawn to the unknown, and we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

The intense scrutiny directed at the submersible destined for the Titanic arises primarily from its unsuccessful outcome. Had they succeeded, we would likely have witnessed a flood of inspirational quotes circulating on social media, praising their daring spirit. In all your endeavours, remember to strive for success, for failure finds few allies. Such is life!

The unfortunate incident involving the Titan submersible is a heartrending event, yet it stands as a powerful affirmation of mankind's unwavering drive for exploration. Despite the inherent risks, our indomitable spirit propels us forward to discover and comprehend the wonders that surround us. The yearning to acquire knowledge and embrace novel encounters is an integral aspect of our humanity, an essence that we must always strive to preserve.

My prayers are with the families and friends of the five men who died.