Less than a year after the tragic loss of OceanGate’s submersible and its crew during a dive to the Titanic, Triton Submarines, backed by billionaire real-estate investor Larry Connor, is planning a trip to the famous shipwreck. Triton’s CEO, Patrick Lahey, aims to show that Triton is capable of making the 12,500-foot-deep dive safely and repeatedly, criticizing OceanGate’s Titan sub as a “contraption.” Connor, known for his adventurous spirit, served as the pilot for Axiom Space’s first privately funded mission to the International Space Station and made three submersible dives with Lahey to depths exceeding 35,000 feet in the Mariana Trench.
The intention behind the Titanic trip, including its timing, has not been disclosed. Triton plans to have its Abyssal Explorer submersible certified for Titanic depths by external authorities, a step that OceanGate did not take for its Titan submersible. OceanGate previously argued that the classification process was too cumbersome, but Triton and other companies are now focused on repairing the submersible industry’s reputation. Meanwhile, the investigation into the Titan sub’s implosion continues, led by the U.S. Coast Guard in partnership with the National Transportation Safety Board and regulatory agencies in Canada and France. A public hearing to address the causes of the loss is expected later this year.
Despite the tragedy, Triton Submarines, with backing from Larry Connor, is forging ahead with plans to dive to the Titanic, aiming to showcase the ocean’s power and wonder. Connor expressed his desire to show people worldwide that the ocean can be enjoyable and life-changing when approached in the right way. With a focus on safety and innovation, Triton is seeking to demonstrate its capabilities in deep-sea exploration. The upcoming trip to the Titanic presents an opportunity to prove Triton’s expertise and commitment to exploring the depths of the ocean.
The partnership between Triton and Larry Connor underscores a shared vision for ocean exploration and adventure. Connor, an experienced pilot and tech entrepreneur, has already made significant contributions to submersible exploration, including dives in the Mariana Trench. By joining forces with Triton, Connor aims to inspire others to experience the wonders of the ocean while emphasizing safety and responsible exploration practices. Their collaboration represents a new chapter in deep-sea exploration, with a focus on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in underwater discovery.
As Triton Submarines prepares for the Titanic dive, the company is taking steps to ensure the safety and reliability of its Abyssal Explorer submersible. By seeking certification for Titanic depths from external authorities, Triton is demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability in the submersible industry. With a focus on innovation and best practices, Triton aims to set a new standard for deep-sea exploration, following the industry’s tragic loss with OceanGate’s Titan sub. The upcoming expedition to the Titanic will serve as a test of Triton’s capabilities and a chance to showcase the potential of underwater exploration to a global audience.
