A former nuclear submarine officer, now serving in the U.S. Congress, is urging the Navy to actively participate in the search for a missing submersible carrying tourists to the Titanic wreckage. The submersible lost contact on Sunday, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation.
Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) expressed his concern for the missing crew and their families, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "Having spent 500 days at sea on a submarine myself, I understand the complexities of these operations. The Navy possesses advanced sonar technology and expertise that could be crucial in locating the submersible quickly," Williams stated. He believes that locating the vessel is the first, critical step towards a successful rescue.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed their involvement in the search for the Titan submersible, operated by OceanGate Expeditions. The company offers chartered trips to the Titanic site for tourists. The Coast Guard reported five individuals aboard, including one crew member and four "mission specialists." They are currently conducting an air search, while other aircraft from the U.S. and Canada are on their way to assist.
Williams, who served in the Navy from 1991 to 1996, volunteered for nuclear submarine duty and underwent extensive training in nuclear engineering. His experience includes six strategic-deterrent patrols on the USS Georgia, where he served as Strategic Missile Officer.
In a tweet posted earlier, Williams stressed the time-sensitive nature of the rescue. He urged the Navy to deploy a nuclear submarine equipped with their best sonar operators to assist OceanGate Expeditions in locating the missing vessel and its crew.
OceanGate Expeditions released a statement confirming their focus on the well-being of the crew members and their families. They are collaborating with various government agencies and deep-sea companies, working tirelessly to re-establish contact and ensure the safe return of everyone on board.
The Coast Guard's search efforts include a C-130 aircraft conducting surface searches and a P-8 Poseidon aircraft capable of deploying sonar buoys for underwater detection. The Titan submersible is equipped with a 96-hour life support system for five people, giving rescuers a limited window to locate the vessel, assuming no catastrophic failure occurred.
With contributions from Fox News' Anders Hagstrom.
