Two submersibles capable of delving 6,000 meters below the ocean’s surface are currently leading the underwater search, and more are on the way, according to Coast Guard officials. The vehicles are aided by a fleet of specialized ships equipped with equipment that could help lift Titan from the ocean floor if it is discovered.
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The time constraint is exacerbated by the fact that the underwater vehicles may be able to locate Titan, which was headed for the Titanic wreckage 12,500 feet below the surface, but it will require additional specialized equipment to bring it to the surface.On Wednesday, a Canadian P-3 aircraft equipped with sonar detected a periodic ‘banging’ sound that experts believe originated from the Titan spacecraft’s crew. The chief of the Coast Guard, who is coordinating the search, stated that additional sounds were detected today after the initial sounds were detected overnight.The P-3 is one of several aircraft models assisting in the search by scouring the ocean’s surface and using sonar equipment to detect signs of activity on the seafloor.
A variety of military and commercial vessels are also stationed at the site, providing a variety of search capabilities, communications tools, and rescue equipment should Titan be discovered.
In the end, it is up to the submersibles to determine if Titan remains on the ocean floor or is trapped within the Titanic’s wreckage.
Sean Leet, the co-founder of Horizon Maritime Services, the company that owns Titan’s mothership, Polar Prince, stated on Wednesday that he has never seen advanced search equipment move so rapidly.
Here, DailyMail.com examines some of the search-related equipment.
The Odysseus 6k is a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that is capable of delving to depths of 6,000 meters.
The vehicle, which is operated by Pelagic Research Services of California, is equipped with two hydraulic arms. The ROV may also be equipped with a ‘lifting fixture,’ though it is not designed to lift objects as heavy as the 21,000-pound Titan.
Reportedly, PRS has dispatched Odysseus and staff to operate it.
Monday saw the departure of the submersible from Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
Odysseus is 98 inches long, 88 inches tall, and weighs 5,550 pounds. It is described as “easily transportable, extremely capable, and extremely affordable.”
