Submarine reported missing during expedition to Titanic wreck, here is what we know so far

While the wreck of the Titanic has been at the bottom of the Atlantic for over a century, its carcass is gradually disintegrating. According to experts, it will have completely disappeared by 2030, so there's not much time left to observe the remains of the ill-fated liner.

In the meantime, a private company is offering its customers the chance to dive to the wreck in a submarine, to explore it while they still can. The company offering these boat rides is OceanGate Expeditions. It offers its customers a unique kind of underwater adventure, but these expeditions aren't for everyone. First of all, the ticket is not cheap, costing $250,000 for an 8-day trip.

But one of their so-called unsinkable boats is nowhere to be seen.

The boat was reported missing on its way to the Titanic

For the moment, little information is circulating about the missing boat and its passengers. But according to the BBC, a small unsinkable OceanGate Expedition boat is missing. The underwater vehicle is equipped with 5 seats: one for the pilot, three for guests and one for what the BBC describes as an expert.

In all likelihood, 5 people are missing as we speak. Most of theiridentities have not been released, with the exception of Hamish Harding, 58, an airplane pilot who, according to the New York Times, holds several Guinness World Records.

Mr. Harding, 58, who holds several Guinness World Records, including one for the longest time spent traversing the deepest part of the ocean on a single dive, wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday that he was proud to finally announce that he had joined OceanGate’s mission “on the sub going down to the Titanic.”

Along with Harding are British businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Sulaiman Dawood. According to the New York Times, Dawood is the heir to one of the wealthiest families in Pakistan. The submersible also allegedly contains renowned French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet and OceanGate Expeditions founder Stockton Rush.

Read more:The shipwreck that sank 350 years ago has just unearthed priceless treasures

OceanGate Expeditions is working hard to find the missing crew

Since the announcement, OceanGate Expeditions has said it is doing all it can to find the submarine and its occupants.

Our entire focus is on the crewmembers in the submersible and their families.

We are working hard to find the crew members safe and sound.

Read more:Titanic: Here's why Jack couldn't have survived with Rose, according to James Cameron

This article has been translated from Gentside FR.

Sources used:

BBC: Titanic tourist submersible goes missing with search under way

New York Times: Here Is Who Is on the Missing Submersible

Independent: Missing Titanic submarine with five onboard may have 50 hours left as US accused of hampering rescue - live