A search is underway for a research submarine reported missing Sunday near the location of the Titanic wreck off the coast of Newfoundland.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax says the submarine was reported overdue around 9:13 p.m. Sunday, approximately 700km south of St. John’s, N.L.
The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the search effort, with the help of a Canadian military aircraft and Canadian Coast Guard vessel.
Chief Mi’sel Joe, who is head of the Newfoundland and Labrador Mi’kmaq band that owns the ship from which the small submarine is launched, confirms it is operated by OceanGate Expeditions.
— OceanGate Expeditions (@OceanGateExped) June 19, 2023
There are reportedly five people on board the submersible, a pilot, renowned british adventurer hamish harding, a retired french naval commander and a british-based pakistani businessman and his son.
OceanGate Expedition charges about $250,000 per person to travel to the wreck.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey tweeted that he is thinking of those affected and hopes the U.S. Coast Guard finds “the sub and those on it very soon.”
Thinking of all those affected, as we hope the U.S. Coast Guard successfully locates the sub and those on it very soon. Newfoundland and Labrador has a long-standing connection with the wreck of the Titanic, with tourists departing our harbour to visit the site off our shores. https://t.co/A5S3cEcvLQ
— Premier of NL (@PremierofNL) June 19, 2023
The submersible had a 96-hour oxygen supply when it lost contact.
