Submarine bound for the Titanic goes missing
A small submarine that used to take tourists to the Titanic has disappeared 230 miles off the coast of Newfoundland while diving for the legendary wreck.
The company behind the mission – OceanGate Expedition – says it is “examining and mobilizing all options to return the crew safely”.
There’s no word on how many people are on board the submarine, but there’s a five-person limit.
“Our entire focus is on the crew members in the submarine and their families,” an OceanGate statement read.
The submarine was reported missing after being several hours late on Sunday evening, according to Chief Mi’sel Joe – head of the Mi’kmaq band that owns the ship from which it was launched.
Joe said he is constantly updated on the situation. He said another submarine is being flown in from the United States to search.
The Canadian Coast Guard told CBC News Monday morning that the search falls under the jurisdiction of the Boston Coast Guard. The American group confirmed that a search is underway, but gave no further details.
Underwater tours are offered by OceanGate Expeditions, a US-based company with offices in Newfoundland. The tours cost about $250,000.
Those trips are a series of five eight-day missions to the Titanic with money raised by tourists going towards Titanic research. Social media posts show the ship launched from the St. John’s area last week.
The company’s CEO, Stockton Rush, was not available for comment Monday.
Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador
