College Student Expresses Doubts Before Titanic Submersible Voyage
In an interview on Thursday, Azmeh Dawood, the aunt of Suleman Dawood, revealed that her 19-year-old nephew had reservations about joining his father on the expedition to explore the Titanic wreck.
Suleman Dawood’s Fear of Riding in the Submersible
Azmeh Dawood shared that Suleman had confided in a relative, expressing that he felt unprepared and terrified about the risky trip and the prospect of riding in the submersible.
Dawood Family Requests Prayers and Thanks Search Teams
The Dawood family, owners of the Pakistani business consortium Dawood Hercules Corp., released a statement asking for prayers and expressing gratitude to the search teams for their relentless efforts in the face of this unimaginable loss.
Titan Submersible’s Construction Raises Safety Concerns
Experts have raised concerns about the construction of the Titan submersible, highlighting its simplicity and use of cheap materials that compromised passenger safety. The cabin lacked proper seating and space, and the ship lacked backup systems and certification from specialized companies.
Warnings Ignored: Ocean Gate’s Design Innovations
Since 2018, industry figures had voiced their concerns to Ocean Gate regarding the safety of the submersible due to its unconventional design choices. The use of carbon fiber, not commonly used in deep-sea exploration, and the absence of backup systems were among the issues raised.
Previous Incident Raises Further Questions
During a previous expedition to the Titanic wreck, the Titan submersible was lost at the bottom of the sea for several hours. This incident, shared by CBS News correspondent David Pogue, adds to the growing doubts about the submersible’s reliability.
Crew of the Titan Submersible Presumed Dead
Tragically, the crew of the Titan submersible, including Suleman Dawood and his father, are presumed dead. Their loss is mourned by their family and the wider community.
Nephew had expressed doubts before embarking on a submersible voyage to the Titanic wreckage. Suleman Dawood, a college student, was part of a team of explorers that aimed to reach the famous shipwreck located in the North Atlantic. According to his aunt, Suleman was concerned about the potential hazards and risks associated with the expedition. However, he was ultimately motivated by his passion for maritime history and the chance to be part of a groundbreaking scientific endeavor. The team planned to document and study the wreckage in order to learn more about the tragic event and its historical significance.
What are some of the potential hazards and risks associated with exploring the Titanic wreckage in a submersible?
Exploring the Titanic wreckage in a submersible presents several potential hazards and risks, including:
1. High water pressure: The depths at which the Titanic wreckage lies (approximately 12,500 feet deep) subject submersibles to extreme water pressure. This pressure can put significant strain on the vehicle’s structure, potentially leading to equipment failure or implosion.
2. Limited oxygen supply: Submersibles often have limited oxygen supply, which poses a risk of asphyxiation if there are any malfunctions or delays in resurfacing.
3. Decompression sickness: The rapid ascent from the deep sea may cause the release of dissolved gases (such as nitrogen) in the blood, leading to decompression sickness or “the bends.” This condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
4. Communication difficulties: Due to the significant distance between the surface and the wreckage, maintaining proper communication can be challenging. Loss of communication can delay emergency assistance or lead to miscommunication and potential accidents.
5. Darkness and poor visibility: The depths of the ocean are pitch black, requiring submersibles to rely on artificial lighting. Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions with debris or parts of the wreck, potentially damaging the submersible or causing entrapment.
6. Entanglement: The Titanic wreckage contains various debris, cables, and potentially sharp objects that could pose entanglement hazards to submersibles, potentially trapping or damaging the vehicle.
7. Biological hazards: Deep-sea environments are home to unique and potentially harmful organisms. Contact with unknown species can pose risks, including allergic reactions, venomous bites/stings, or exposure to toxic substances.
8. Human error and equipment failure: The complex operation of submersibles involves various mechanical, electrical, and technological systems. Errors in operation or equipment failure can result in accidents, potential injuries, or loss of life.
These hazards and risks emphasize the importance of conducting thorough safety assessments and employing experienced professionals when exploring the Titanic wreckage in submersibles.
This article gave me goosebumps! The idea of exploring the depths in a Titanic Submarine seems both thrilling and bone-chilling. The doubts and fears associated with such a journey make it all the more terrifying and intriguing.
This article perfectly captures the immense and unsettling emotions one must have experienced on the harrowing journey aboard the Titanic Submarine. The fears and doubts faced by those brave souls are truly unimaginable.