Ottawa: US and Canadian search efforts are underway to locate a missing submarine off the southeastern coast of Canada. The submarine, carrying tourists on a trip to explore the wreckage of the Titanic, disappeared more than a day ago. The vessel could stay submerged for up to 96 hours, but its current status is unknown.
Ships and planes from the US and Canada have been deployed to the area, approximately 900 miles east of Cape Cod. Sonar buoys capable of monitoring depths of up to 13,000 feet have been deployed to aid in the search. Rear Admiral John Mauger of the US Coast Guard acknowledged the challenges of searching in this remote region.
The private company operating the submarine, OceanGate Expeditions, is actively mobilizing resources to rescue those on board. Among the passengers on the submarine is British billionaire Hamish Harding, as confirmed by a relative on social media. Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son are also on board, according to a statement from their family.
The Polar Prince, a surface boat, lost contact with the submarine approximately one hour and 45 minutes after it began its dive towards the Titanic’s wreckage site. OceanGate expressed gratitude for the assistance received and expressed hope to reestablish contact with the submersible.
Concerned family members have requested support and prayers for the safety of those on board. The expedition, which costs $250,000 per person, departed on Friday with the first dive scheduled for Sunday morning. The Titanic, which sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg, remains a significant historical site attracting visitors from around the world.
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