Man who paid £87,000 to travel in submarine to Titanic calls it a ‘suicide mission’
Posted June 22, 2023 by: Admin
In a daring quest to explore the legendary Titanic wreck off the coast of Canada, the deep-diving vessel Titan embarked on a remarkable voyage that has captured the world’s attention. Arthur Loibl, a seasoned German adventurer who had previously delved into the depths of the ocean aboard the same submersible, shared his experiences and expressed his gratitude for surviving what he described as a perilous adventure.
Recalling his own journey in August 2021, Loibl emphasized the challenges encountered during the mission and acknowledged his fortunate escape. “I consider myself incredibly lucky,” exclaimed the 60-year-old Bavarian entrepreneur. The voyage to the iconic shipwreck, which involved descending over 12,000 meters, was not without its obstacles. Loibl revealed that the first submarine malfunctioned, forcing them to abort a dive at 1,600 meters. Delays due to electrical issues further hindered their progress, leading Loibl to speculate that similar problems may have contributed to the current predicament of the Titan crew.
Before his voyage, Loibl faced a minor setback when the stabilisation tube bracket, crucial for balancing the submersible, suffered damage. However, resourceful measures, including using zip ties, allowed for a swift repair. Despite these hurdles, Loibl highlighted the indomitable spirit required to undertake such an expedition, emphasizing the need for nerves of steel and an ability to endure cramped conditions for up to ten hours. Remarkably, he even touched down on the ill-fated liner during one of his dives, forging a unique connection with history.
As rescue efforts intensify to locate the missing Titan submersible, the limited oxygen supply on board remains a pressing concern. The dedicated team of rescuers anticipates that the submersible’s oxygen will deplete by 12:08 p.m. UK time today, as reported by a spokesperson from the US Coast Guard. The 6.7-meter-long OceanGate Expeditions vessel, which counts British billionaire adventurer Hamish Harding among its occupants, was equipped with a 96-hour emergency oxygen reserve. Shahzada Dawood, a UK-based businessman, along with his son Suleman Dawood, and Stockton Rush, the CEO and founder of OceanGate, are also part of the undersea exploration team, joined by renowned French submersible pilot Paul-Henri Nargeolet.
