“They have to surface or they die”: American journalist experienced a horror diving trip to the Titanic

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It should have been an exciting expedition to the shipwreck of the Titanic, which sank in 1912. But for the crew of five on the Titan submarine, the experience is anything but comfortable. After only an hour and 45 minutes, the connection with the outside world was lost – since then there has been radio silence.

David Pogue (60), an American journalist, has experienced such horror before. He was trapped in an Ocean Gate submarine for three hours. That reports the Daily Mail.

Shocking consent form

Last year, an Ocean Gate submarine went out to sea with David Pogue on board. He had a nauseated feeling from the start. It seemed somehow improvised to him: “You control this submarine with an XBox controller, and part of the ballast is old construction pipes,” Pogue tells the newspaper.

But it wasn’t just the odd equipment that worried the American. Because before the dive there was a lot to read – and sign. What was written in it? “This experimental craft has not been approved or certified by any regulatory body and could result in physical harm, emotional trauma or death,” says Pogue. In a TV report by American broadcaster CBS, which is now being shared on social media, Pogue responds sarcastically to the writing. “Where do I sign?” he asks.

However, CEO Stockton Rush is said to have assured him that the construction was very strong. This is also discussed in the said TV report. “We only have one button,” says Rush. “It should be like an elevator,” he adds.

“They have to surface or they die”

Things can get tight for the five occupants of the Ocean Gate submarine. The oxygen in the submarine is sufficient for 40 hours. Rescue workers have until Thursday to salvage the ship. According to Pogue, the submarine’s main pod is sealed from the outside with multiple bolts. No one gets out without outside help.

There should be several functions to return to the surface, but if the cause of the accident was a leak or something similar, these would no longer work. “There is no plan B, no lifeboat.” Pogue: “They have to get back to the surface or they die.”

Heated walls and a toilet

Tourists had to dig deep into their pockets for the experience. Yet the submarine is anything but comfortable: the passengers have to sit on the floor and you can hardly move, the BBC reported.

The arched porthole at the front is intended to provide a view of the Titanic. According to the BBC, the company is excited about the “largest vantage point of any manned deep-sea submarine”. Powerful searchlights on the outside break through the pitch black water at a depth of about 3,800 meters, illuminating the wreck. In the depths of the Atlantic Ocean it can get very cold. Therefore, the walls are heated.

A special feature: there is a toilet in the front area. If necessary, draw a curtain – and the pilot will turn up the music. However, the company recommends “restricting diet before and during the dive to reduce the likelihood of having to use the facilities.” (SDA/lia)

Source: Blick