Since the tragic death of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and four others during a deep-sea expedition in June 2023, public interest in ocean exploration has significantly waned. Despite this setback, expeditions to explore the Titanic shipwreck are set to continue. Ohio real estate businessman Larry Connor, in partnership with deep-sea explorer Patrick Lahey, is working on a new vessel designed for this purpose.
About the Vessel
The new submersible, named Triton 4000, is a high-performance platform designed for deep-sea exploration. The sub, also known as the 2 Abyssal Explorer, features a spacious cabin that can accommodate two deep-sea explorers. It includes glass windows and retractable 19-foot wings equipped with lights to enhance visibility in the dark depths of the ocean. The vessel stands 10 feet tall and weighs 12,000 kilograms.
The Triton 4000 is operated using a joystick and multiple touch screens, providing the passengers with comprehensive control. It employs silent glide technology to track and navigate underwater objects. The journey to the Titanic shipwreck, which rests 12,400 feet below the Atlantic Ocean, is expected to take approximately two hours. However, obtaining the necessary clearances for this expedition will be challenging. Since the accident last year, authorities have become more cautious in approving deep-sea journeys, particularly those involving the Titanic.