According to an internal email obtained by Rolling Stone, an aircraft involved in the search and rescue operation for the missing Titanic tourist submersible detected periodic “banging” sounds in the vicinity where the vessel and its five passengers went missing. The email, sent to the Department of Homeland Security leadership, states that a Canadian aircraft, specifically the P8 Poseidon with underwater detection capabilities, deployed sonobuoys that reported a contact close to the distress position. The aircraft heard banging sounds every 30 minutes in the area. Additional sonar was deployed four hours later, and the banging sounds were still heard.
In an email obtained by CNN, DHS leadership was informed that “additional acoustic feedback” was heard during the search and rescue operation for the missing Titanic tourist submersible. The email also mentioned the discovery of a “white rectangular object” in the search efforts, but a research vessel was redirected to investigate the acoustic feedback instead. The search continued with the assistance of a remotely operated vehicle, and various operators were on standby. The email did not provide details about the cause of the sound or the timing of its detection. However, it mentioned that efforts were being made to find an underwater remote-operated vehicle through partner organizations to potentially assist in the search. The Boston Coast Guard confirmed on Twitter that the Canadian surveillance aircraft had detected underwater noises in the search area. The Explorers Society, a travel and research group, stated that sonar had detected tapping sounds, suggesting that the crew may be alive and signaling for help.
The OceanGate Expeditions Titan submersible, carrying four passengers and one pilot, has been missing since Sunday, June 18. The vessel lost contact with the Coast Guard during its journey to the Titanic wreck site in the Atlantic Ocean. The individuals on board have been identified as Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, his son Suleman, British billionaire Hamish Harding, and French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet. These passengers had paid $250,000 each for the opportunity to visit the Titanic wreck, which rests at a depth of 3,800 meters below sea level.