A submersible used to take tourists and scientists to view the wreck of the Titanic reportedly went missing on Monday, prompting a search and rescue operation in the North Atlantic.
The vessel, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, was diving to view the wreck of the passenger ship, which sank in 1912 and was lost.
The company said it was “exploring and mobilizing all options for the safe return of the crew”.
“Our entire focus is on the crew and their families in the submersible,” OceanGate added. “We are grateful for the extensive assistance provided by several government agencies and deep sea companies in our efforts to re-establish contact with the submersible.”
The Boston Coast Guard said in a statement that they were looking for an “expired Canadian research submarine” about 900 miles off Cape Cod.
Three tugboats left Port St. John’s, Newfoundland, on Monday morning for the wreck, shipping information service Marine Traffic said.
OceanGate organized an eight-day expedition to view the wreck of the Titanic, which is about 380 miles off the coast of Newfoundland and 3,800 meters below the surface.
The company is promoting the trip as an opportunity to “see the Titanic firsthand,” while also supporting the scientific community in learning more about the wreck and the deep-sea environment. Fewer than 300 people took part in the trip.
The expedition cost the ship, called Titan, $250,000, according to the company. OceanGate says on its website that its 2023 tour is “underway” and that two more tours are planned for 2024.
It was not immediately clear how many people were on board the missing ship. It can carry up to 5 people in total (crew and passengers) and is the only submersible in the world capable of transporting that many people to a depth of 4,000 metres.
On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic sank after colliding with an iceberg on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York. More than 1,500 people were killed in the accident.
The tragedy has been in the global spotlight ever since, with a 1997 Hollywood film reigniting interest.
OceanGate was founded in Everett, Washington in 2009 by entrepreneur Stockton Rush. It has conducted several surveys and tourist expeditions.