How does a submarine implode? Submersible difference explored amid concerns over potential Titanic catastrophe
Since Sunday, the tourist submersible that carried five individuals on an expedition to explore the Titanic wreckage has disappeared beneath the water’s surface.
Various theories are emerging regarding the fate of the submersible, as no communication or movement has been detected.
Steve Somlyody, a senior research scientist, expressed concerns about potential issues, noting the absence of contact.
In an interview with Fox News, Steve highlighted the tremendous pressure at a depth of 4,000 meters, emphasizing that even a minor leakage could result in an immediate implosion.
Such implosion can subject the hull to intense water pressure due to the impact on the fittings and pipes within the submarine.
Submarine and submersible are different and the former is more powerful
Since the disappearance of Titan along with its five crew members, there has been a misconception labeling it as a submarine, when in fact it is a submersible.
The primary purpose behind Titan’s creation was to carry out surveys, research missions, and facilitate film and media production.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a submarine is equipped with substantial power, enabling it to independently depart from and return to a port.
On the other hand, a submersible refers to a watercraft with lesser power that requires launching and recovery from a mothership. Additionally, submersibles are characterized by their relatively small size.
Titan has been constructed using lightweight and cost-effective modern materials, including carbon fiber and titanium, as stated by OceanGate, the organization behind its development.
The dimensions of Titan measure 6.7 meters in length, 2.8 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in height.
The vehicle weighs approximately 10,432 kilograms and has a payload capacity of around 685 kilograms.
To ensure the safety and well-being of its crew, Titan incorporates a life support system capable of sustaining five members for a duration of 96 hours.
Authorities continue searching for the Titan
As of now, the identities of four individuals inside the vessel have been confirmed.
These include 58-year-old businessman and explorer Hamish Harding, 48-year-old businessman Shahzada Dawood, 19-year-old Suleman Dawood, and 77-year-old French explorer Paul-Henry Nargeolet.
According to the US Coast Guard, contact with Titan was lost approximately one hour and 45 minutes after it embarked on its dive.
Despite the authorities’ diligent efforts to locate the missing vessel, adverse weather conditions have presented certain challenges.
Rear Admiral John Mauger of the US Coast Guard disclosed on Tuesday that they are focusing their search efforts in deeper waters.
The Coast Guard has deployed two C-130 Hercules aircraft, as well as a Canadian C-130 and a P8 aircraft, to aid in the search for the vessel.
In addition to the previously mentioned resources, the Canadian Coast Guard vessel Kopit Hopson is also assisting in the search efforts.
A former US undersecretary of defense has stated that US Navy remote submersibles have the capability to establish a tethered connection with the submarine and bring it back to the surface.
Professor Alistair Greig from University College London suggests that if there has been a power or communication failure, the submersible might be floating on the surface.
This possibility is based on the assumption that without power or communication, the submersible would be unable to maintain its submerged position.
