An Ohio billionaire's decision has captured the public attention.
Larry Connor, a real estate investor, is sponsoring a $20 million submarine expedition to the site of the Titanic. This project aims to prove the industry’s safety after OceanGate's tragic accident.
Connor, along with Patrick Lahey, co-founder of Triton Submarines, plans to descend over 12,400 feet to the fateful shipwreck location in a two-person submersible.
The purpose behind this ambitious project is to show the world that deep-sea exploration can be both safe and awe-inspiring.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Connor expressed his desire to show people the incredible wonders of the ocean while emphasizing the importance of approaching it with caution.
He believes that despite the immense power of the ocean, it can be a source of joy and life-changing experiences if explored responsibly.
The Triton 4000/2 Abyssal Explorer is a cutting-edge submarine created by Lahey for this mission.
It is made with modern materials and advanced technology, allowing it to travel to great depths multiple times.
This marks notable progress in submarine technology, as Connor stated that a sub of this caliber couldn't have been constructed only five years ago.
The tragic implosion of the Titan submersible, which claimed the lives of all five people on board, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, is a catalyst for Connor's initiative.
Following the incident, Connor reached out to Lahey and urged him to develop a safer and more reliable submersible.
The fact that the company didn't seek certification from respected safety organizations only sparked concerns about their practices.
Connor and Lahey want to address these concerns and prove that exploring the deep sea can be done without any mishaps or accidents.
The exact timeline for the expedition has not been revealed yet.
However, the Ohio billionaire's unwavering determination to showcase the industry's safety speaks volumes about his confidence in the project's success.
The Titan disaster occurred during an expedition to explore the wreckage of the Titanic on June 18, 2023.
The haunting audio reveals steady and rhythmic sounds, raising hopes that they could be distress signals from the five individuals aboard.
Former Navy submarine captain Ryan Ramsey, featured in the documentary, described the sounds as unusual and possibly someone knocking.
The documentary, set for release in June by ITN Productions, marks one year since the tragic event and delves into the multi-million dollar search operation and the lessons learned from the disaster.
The documentary, titled "Minute by Minute: The Titan Sub Disaster," provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the ill-fated expedition.
At the time, some experts cautioned against considering the sounds as evidence of life, suggesting they could be debris from the Titanic wreck.
Investigators believe the Titan submarine collapsed under intense water pressure, resulting in the immediate deaths of the five passengers.
