In a shocking turn of events, an OceanGate Expeditions tourist submarine, named Titan, went missing with five individuals on board during an expedition to explore the historic wreck of the Titanic. As the search and rescue operations intensify, troubling details have emerged regarding the sub’s non-standard design and its utilization of a Logitech F710 wireless PC game controller from 2010 for steering.
Using a $30 controller for a deep-sea trip of around 3 miles raises questions
The crew of the missing vessel includes Hamish Harding, a British billionaire and adventure enthusiast, as well as Stockton Rush, the founder and CEO of OceanGate. The submarine vanished in the North Atlantic, approximately 900 miles east of Cape Cod, shortly after commencing their dive. Contact with the Polar Prince research ship was lost about 1 hour and 45 minutes into the expedition.
One concerning aspect is that the entire sub is sealed shut from the outside, making it impossible for the occupants to escape without external assistance. Even if the vessel resurfaces, the crew members could face suffocation within the capsule. This revelation has sent waves through social media, raising obvious concerns about the safety measures in place on the sub.
Furthermore, reports have surfaced about OceanGate’s history of evading or expressing discontent with safety regulations. A CBS Sunday Morning segment from November 2022 showcased the Titan, where Stockton Rush boasted about its minimalistic design and even showcased the Logitech F710 wireless controller as the primary interface for operating the submarine.
The Logitech F710 controller, a gaming device introduced in 2010 is being strongly criticized as an accessory for a deep sea trip that costs $250,000. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time the Titan has encountered issues. During a previous expedition last summer, the submersible temporarily went astray, albeit while maintaining communication with the surface. The current situation, however, is far more dire, with all contact severed and rescue operations being the primary focus.
As the search continues, authorities have deployed various resources, including sonar buoys and aircraft equipped with underwater detection capabilities. Time is of the essence, as estimates suggest the crew may have limited oxygen reserves remaining. Once the submarine and its occupants are located, a thorough investigation will be initiated to determine the cause of this incident.
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(Via)
