Former Titan Submersible Passenger's Experience aboard the OceanGate Submarine

A gripping and anxious atmosphere surrounds the ongoing search efforts for the missing submersible 'Titan,' which disappeared during a mission to explore the wreckage of the Titanic. As crews tirelessly scour the search area, hopes of locating the submersible and its five occupants remain high. The recent detection of underwater noises by a Canadian search plane has sparked cautious optimism, intensifying the determination to unravel the mystery and bring the passengers safely back to the surface.

Amidst the frantic search operations, Aaron Newman, a former passenger on the Titan, maintains a glimmer of hope for a successful recovery. Reflecting on his own experience aboard the submersible in August 2021, Newman expressed his earnest desire that the detected noises underwater were indeed signals from the missing crew. He speculated that the sounds could be the result of deliberate actions by someone inside, such as tapping or using a wrench to attract attention. Newman and others closely connected to the Titan hold onto every thread of optimism, fervently hoping for a positive outcome.

The U.S. Coast Guard, which is leading the search operation, confirmed that they are focusing their efforts in the vicinity where the underwater noises were detected. However, the origin and nature of the sounds remain unknown at this time. Authorities are meticulously investigating all possibilities, considering scenarios ranging from remnants of the Titanic colliding with objects to potential marine life causing the noises. The search teams persevere, driven by the urgency to locate and rescue the missing submersible and its occupants.

Aaron Newman, acquainted with several of the passengers aboard the Titan, emphasized the exceptional skills and preparedness of the individuals on board. Notably, he mentioned P.H. Nargeolet, a renowned French explorer with extensive experience diving and exploring the Titanic wreckage. Newman attested that the crew of the Titan possesses unmatched expertise to handle challenging scenarios. With their knowledge and proficiency, they would undoubtedly exhaust all efforts to communicate their distress and seek assistance.

Safety protocols and comprehensive training are paramount for underwater expeditions. As an investor in OceanGate Expeditions, the company that owns the Titan submersible, Newman emphasized that safety is a top priority. Prior to embarking on their underwater journey, passengers underwent extensive training spanning multiple days. They were equipped with essential knowledge about the sub's design, emergency procedures, backup systems, and effective communication in worst-case scenarios. The meticulous preparation instilled confidence in the passengers and reinforced their ability to cope with unforeseen circumstances.

In describing the interior of the Titan, Newman characterized it as comfortable yet not luxurious. While there is enough room to move around, it is not spacious. "You take somebody like P.H. Nargeolet—he's been diving for 60 years," Newman said of the French explorer who has made multiple dives over the years to explore the Titanic. "There is no team better that would be able to handle this scenario than the people aboard this craft right now."

Newman is also an investor in OceanGate Expeditions, the company that owns the Titan submersible. He said "safety was the No. 1 protocol" when preparing for an underwater trip, and passengers would spend "multiple days" learning about the sub's design and the Titanic's history.

"We covered everything from what would happen in a fire to what would happen if weights didn't drop, what are the backup systems, to communicating in the worst case scenario, so there was a lot of training," he said.

The submersible does not feature traditional seats, as its design prioritizes efficiency for the descent to the ocean floor. Functionality and safety take precedence, ensuring that passengers are accommodated adequately while maximizing the exploration capabilities of the submarine.

The Titan vanished from contact with a Canadian research vessel on Sunday, approximately one hour and 45 minutes into its dive. The sudden loss of communication triggered an immediate and extensive search and rescue operation. The relentless efforts of the search teams reflect the gravity of the situation and their commitment to locating the missing submersible and its occupants.

The ongoing search for the missing submersible 'Titan' captures the attention and concern of people worldwide. As the search operation continues, hope lingers on the horizon. The recent detection of underwater noises adds a glimmer of optimism to an otherwise distressing situation. With skilled crew members and their unwavering determination, the quest to find the Titan and its passengers persists. The priority remains the safe return of the crew, and the efforts to unravel the mystery and reunite them with their loved ones will continue until the missing submersible is located.