Aircraft that flew over the region where the submersible vanished heard regular beats at 30-minute intervals.
A Canadian aircraft searching for the missing Titan submersible, which disappeared during an expedition to the Titanic wreckage, detected beats at 30-minute intervals in the area where the divers went missing, according to internal information obtained by Rolling Stone through emails sent to the leadership of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Intensified investigation with advanced technology
The DHS emails revealed that the P8 Poseidon, an aircraft equipped with underwater detection capabilities, deployed sonobuoys that reported contact near the rescue position. These sonobuoys picked up the sounds of beats in the area every 30 minutes, indicating a possible presence at the location. Additionally, an additional sonar was deployed four hours later, and the noise persisted, strengthening hopes that the divers may be alive.
Challenges in the search for the missing submarine
Although the mysterious sounds were detected, the emails did not provide details on the causes of these beats or the times they were heard. Authorities responsible for the rescue, such as the Boston Coast Guard and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, refused to comment on the reported sounds.
Joint efforts to locate the submersible
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre is collaborating with partner organizations to find a remotely operated underwater vehicle that can assist in the search. Previous reports suggest that the US Navy’s rescue vessel can only descend to approximately 2,000 feet, while the region where the divers may be located is about 13,000 feet below the surface. Therefore, an underwater drone or remotely operated vehicle would be essential to reach them.
Signs of hope and appeals for action
An email sent by the president of the Explorers Society mentioned the possibility that the beats indicate that the crew may be alive and signaling for help. The email also pointed out the availability of a remotely operated vehicle from the UK company Magellan, rated for 6,000 meters of depth, which is ready to be used in rescue operations. However, as of now, the US government and the Coast Guard have not granted permission for the company to participate in the search efforts.
An uncertain scenario and the race against time
With the Titan losing contact with its support vessel shortly after the dive, the situation is critical as the vessel has only 96 hours of oxygen available. A massive search effort is underway, and time is of the essence.