Former FBI dive team leader Bobby Chacon has cautioned against relying heavily on the estimated 40 hours of remaining oxygen aboard the missing OceanGate Titanic tourist submersible. Speaking on "America Reports," Chacon emphasized that such calculations are based on normal conditions, which may not apply in this emergency. He pointed out that stress, panic, or injuries could significantly increase oxygen consumption, reducing the actual time remaining.
Chacon characterized the 40-hour estimate as a "best-case scenario" under normal operating conditions. He expressed concern that the malfunction likely occurred during the descent, a phase involving increasing pressure. This suggests a potential compromise in the hull's integrity due to the pressure, a critical concern for the submersible's occupants.
OceanGate's website states the Titan submersible has a 96-hour life support capacity for its five-person crew. The Coast Guard reported the submersible lost contact with its support vessel, the Polar Prince, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes into its dive on Sunday.
The search area, believed to be over the Indian Ocean, presents significant challenges due to its vastness and varying currents at different depths. Chacon acknowledged the hope for a miracle but emphasized the increasing need for one as time passes without new information.
