Famous explorer Hamish Harding went missing while on an expedition, and the circumstances seem obscure. On 19th June, a submersible leading to the Titanic wreck suddenly disappeared with five passengers.
As noted in several other missing persons cases, a prompt rescue mission is the only assurance where time is the ultimate deciding factor. This case involves several factors impacting the investigation, specifically elemental aspects. Finding a submersible in the ocean’s abyss while searching for five people is challenging.
Will this mission be successful? Let us first dissect the events leading up to the missing submersible.
When Did Hamish Harding Go Missing? What Happened To Hamish Harding?
Hamish Harding posted an update on 18th June, describing his complete itinerary for the RMS TITANIC Mission on the sub going down to the Titanic.
The submersible was departing from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, bound for the site of the Titanic Wreck. This mission was organized by the OceanGate Expeditions Submarine for tourist visits, which cost up to $250000 per person.
4:00 a.m. local time (8:00 GMT): In the early hours of Sunday morning, the crew of five people on the submersible set ut for the diving operations towards the actual Titanic Wreck. The total duration of the dive towards the shipwreck was for about 8 hours.
The Titanic is submerged at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean with approx dimensions of 3800m (12500 ft) beneath the surface.
Around 5:45 a.m. local time: The Canadian research vessel reported losing contact with the crew.
The truck-size Titanic submarine, Titan, is equipped with life support for only four days.
Earlier today, Harding’s family confirmed that the 58-year-old explorer was in the submarine and is now officially listed as “missing.”
In the latest update– the other four missing crew members have also been identified.
- President & Founder of Oceangate- Stockton Rush
- Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, his son Suleman
- Pilot Paul Nargeolet
However, Mr. Harding is at the focal point of this case. What makes him so significant?
Who Is Hamish Harding?
Hamish Harding is a billionaire and a world-renowned explorer who contributed to significant missions. He graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Natural Sciences and Chemical Engineering. ‘
Hamish is married to Linda Harding, and they have two sons, Rory and Giles. He also has a stepdaughter, Lauren, and a stepson, Brian Szasz.
Brian Szasz posted on Facebook, “Thoughts and prayers for my stepfather Hamish Harding as his submarine has gone missing exploring Titanic. Search and rescue mission is underway.”
Harding is a highly influential name in the research and exploration community, given his considerable contribution to the various missions across space, the south pole, and deep oceans. He is a professional aviator with an airline transport pilot’s license. He is also authorized for business jet-type ratings, including the Gulfstream G650.
Hamish is a trustee of the Explorers Club and was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation in 2022 as a skydiver.
Harding’s status as a billionaire integrates him into the elite society as he was previously part of the Blue Origin Mission, a space research company by Jeff Bezos.
He also holds three Guinness World records for his various adventures across all dimensions.
Coming back to the case, Harding’s reputation influenced the expeditious rescue mission. Where are they now?
Did They Find The Missing Titanic Submarine?
As per the latest update, Harding and the other four members have not been found yet.
However, Boston Coastguard has stated that the rescue operation was deployed immediately after they lost contact with the Titan.
Rear Adm John W Mauger from the US Coast Guard reported that a highly-sophisticated P-8 Poseidon aircraft with underwater detection capabilities was used.
As per the strategy, the rescue operation is dispersed in two ways–
- One team searches 900 miles (1450km) east of Cape Cod.
- Sonar Buoys are dropped at about 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland to catch the underwater noise and scan the ocean in case the submersible resurfaces.
The coastguard has assured the status in a recent press conference-
“It is a remote area and a challenge (…), but we are deploying all available assets to make sure we can locate the craft and rescue the people onboard.”
OceanGate has released an official statement–
“Our entire focus is on the crewmembers in the submersible and their families. We are exploring and mobilizing all options to bring the crew back safely.”
The rescue mission will require a substantial time, given the gravity of the situation. Here is a rough illustration of deep the submarine must have fallen.
Possible Theory:
Here is another theory of why the submarine might be stuck at the shipwreck site.
What do you think of this case? Do you believe the submarine has malfunctioned? Or is there a possibility of Sonic waves that submerged the Titan? Regardless, we hope they are found soon.
Let us know your theories in the comment section below.
