Arnie Weissman, editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly – sister title of
Travel Weekly Asia under the Northstar Travel Group – had joined an
OceanGate Expeditions mission to the Titanic wreck in May, a month
before its submersible, the Titan, disappeared on a similar itinerary.
Arnie's three-part article series chronicles his journey as he
prepared to join an OceanGate Expeditions mission to explore the depths
of the Titanic wreck.
Part 1: Preparing to dive
Before heading to the wreck site on May 20, 2023, the OceanGate crew secures the Titan sub and its launch and recovery platform in St. John’s, Newfoundland. OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, now missing on the Titan submersible, is in the black scuba diving suit. Photo Credit: Arnie Weissman
“Where to begin?” Arnie mused. “I know three of the five people on the missing submersible Titan.”
In Part 1, Arnie recounts the anticipation building up to the dive
and introduces the key individuals involved, including British
billionaire and explorer Hamish Harding, OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush,
and renowned wreck explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet. However, despite their
initial plans and Arnie's own aspirations, the inclement weather
prevented any successful dives during his time on the mission.
Read:Mission Titanic, Part 1: Preparing to dive
Part 2: Delays and an unsettling statement from the OceanGate CEO
Stephen, a member of the Royal Australian Navy (left) and travel advisor Craig Curran of DePrez Travel Bureau sign the OceanGate Mission 2 flag. Photo Credit: Arnie Weissman
Part 2 continues Arnie's narrative, highlighting the delays and
setbacks he experienced while waiting for an opportunity to dive. Arnie
immerses himself in the operational details of the mission, describing
the meticulous preparations, safety protocols, and camaraderie among the
crew and mission specialists.
“Despite the long task list, I was impressed with the transparency of
the operation – mission specialists like me were not simply encouraged
to go to these meetings. We were required to attend,” Arnie wrote.
He also delves into his interactions with Stockton Rush, gaining
insights into Rush's leadership style and the challenges faced by the
team. Still, the elusive dive remains out of reach as Arnie's optimism
wavers.
Read:Mission Titanic, Part 2: Delays and an unsettling statement from the OceanGate CEO
Part 3: Trouble ahead, trouble behind
The front of the platform holding the submersible Titan went underwater for unknown reasons during an OceanGate Expedition mission last month. A crew, including OceanGate's CEO, Stockton Rush, prepared to dive under it to raise it. Photo Credit: Arnie Weissman
In Part 3, Arnie reflects on the risks inherent in diving to such
depths and the careful precautions taken by the OceanGate team. He
discusses the impact of weather conditions, platform issues, and the
ever-present danger of the underwater environment. Arnie reveals a
harrowing incident involving the submersible's platform, underscoring
the challenges faced by the crew. Despite the setbacks, Arnie maintains
hope for a successful dive and draws inspiration from the experience and
expertise of Paul-Henri Nargeolet.
However, the series takes a tragic turn as news breaks of the missing
Titan submarine. Arnie's personal connection to the story intensifies
as he recounts his interactions with the individuals on board, their
shared experiences, and the dedication they exhibited in their pursuit
of exploration. The discovery of a piece of the Titan on the ocean floor
suggests a catastrophic implosion, leaving no hope for the survival of
the crew. Arnie's reflections on his own failed attempts at diving now
pale in comparison to the devastating loss of those he had come to know
during his time on the mission.
“As I began writing this series, it was thought that the life support
systems for Harding, Rush, Nargeolet and two other mission specialists
were running critically low, but there was still some hope,” Arnie
reflected.
“But as I finish this, search and rescue robots discovered a piece of
the Titan on the ocean floor, indicating a catastrophic implosion and
the loss of five lives, including three dedicated explorers I had come
to know.”