Race Against Time: Surviving in the Depths – The Challenges Faced by the Titanic Submersible Crew

Trapped Submersible: Race Against Time as Oxygen Runs Out

A terrifying situation is unfolding as a submersible, believed to be the Titanic, remains trapped underwater with a dwindling supply of oxygen. The exact location of the vessel and the condition of the five crew members onboard are unknown, but time is running out to find them before it’s too late.

Dr. Ken LeDez, a hyperbaric medicine expert at Memorial University, has shed some light on the potential survival chances of those aboard. Depending on the conditions, some individuals may be able to survive longer than expected. Factors such as how cold they get and their ability to conserve oxygen play a crucial role. Shivering, for example, uses up a significant amount of oxygen, while huddling together can help conserve heat.

Running out of oxygen is a gradual process, according to Dr. LeDez. It’s not an immediate switch-off, but rather a slow climb up a metaphorical mountain. As the temperature drops and metabolism decreases, the rate at which oxygen is consumed varies.

While the full situation inside the submersible remains unknown, Dr. LeDez acknowledges that conditions could differ from person to person. It’s a disturbing conversation, but some individuals may have a better chance of survival than others.

Rear Admiral John Mauger from the US Coast Guard has highlighted the numerous unknowns in the search and rescue mission. The rate of oxygen consumption per occupant on the submersible is still unclear.

However, running out of oxygen is not the only danger the crew faces. The loss of electrical power in the vessel likely affects the control of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. As the oxygen level decreases, the proportion of carbon dioxide being exhaled by the crew increases, potentially leading to fatal consequences. Excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, known as hypercapnia, can be lethal if left untreated.

Former Royal Navy submarine captain Ryan Ramsey has expressed concern about the lack of a carbon dioxide removal system, known as scrubbers, in the submersible. This absence poses a significant problem for the crew.

In addition to the oxygen and carbon dioxide risks, the crew is also at risk of hypothermia. If the submersible is on the seabed, the water temperature would be around 0°C. Without electricity, the vessel cannot generate heat, making hypothermia a potential threat. However, Dr. LeDez suggests that hypothermia could also be their friend. If the crew cools down enough and loses consciousness, there is a possibility they could survive.

Unfortunately, the combination of hypothermia, lack of oxygen, and the build-up of carbon dioxide hampers the crew’s ability to make contact with the search and rescue mission. Banging on the hull to attract attention becomes increasingly difficult as their consciousness fades.

While the Coast Guard warns that there is likely little oxygen left, the crew may be able to conserve their supplies for a while. Slowing their breathing and reducing power usage could help extend their survival chances. Additionally, spreading out carbon dioxide-absorbing granules may help mitigate the risk.

Food and water supplies onboard are limited, according to the Coast Guard. The exact quantity is unknown.

Despite the numerous challenges, Dr. LeDez advises against prematurely canceling the search-and-rescue operation. He believes that even with very low oxygen levels, the crew might still be able to survive. Their chances depend on having power and light to find resources and make necessary controls.

“If anybody can survive in it, you know, it’s these individuals,” says Dr. LeDez. “It just depends on them having power and depends on them having light to be able to find things and make these controls, but absolutely, they could still be alive.”

The search-and-rescue operation continues as authorities race against time to locate the trapped submersible and save the crew.

What systems and measures are in place to control carbon dioxide levels and ensure the crew’s survival in a situation like this?

Arine. Without sufficient systems in place to control the carbon dioxide levels, the crew’s survival becomes even more precarious.

Time is of the essence in this race against the clock. The longer the crew remains trapped, the higher the risk of oxygen depletion and the potential for deadly carbon dioxide buildup. Rescuers are working tirelessly to locate the submersible and extract the crew before it’s too late.

The search and rescue operation faces significant challenges. The exact location of the submersible remains unknown, making the task even more daunting. The crew’s survival depends on the combined efforts of experts, technology, and a stroke of luck.

In a situation like this, every second counts. Rescuers are utilizing advanced sonar technology and underwater drones to search for any signs of the submersible. While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go before the crew can be reached.

The families of those onboard are living through an agonizing waiting game. They cling to hope, praying for a miracle and for their loved ones to be safely brought back to the surface. The emotional toll this ordeal takes on them is immeasurable.

As the world watches and waits, there is a glimmer of hope that the crew will be found in time. The combined efforts of experts and rescuers give reason to believe that this harrowing situation can have a positive outcome.

However, the clock is ticking, and the race against time continues. The fate of the crew hangs in the balance as oxygen supplies dwindle and the dangers of carbon dioxide buildup loom. The submersible could hold the answers to the mysteries of the past, but the lives of those trapped inside are the urgent priority.