Larry Connor, the founder of the Connor Group, has embarked on a series of extreme adventures in recent years, including traveling to space, diving to the deepest point in the Earth’s oceans, and breaking the world record for the highest skydive. His latest mission is an expedition to explore the shipwreck of the Titanic, which sank in 1912 and now lies 12,500 feet below sea level. The expedition is expected to cost between $13 million and $15 million, with the majority of the budget going towards developing a new submersible in partnership with Triton Submarines.
Contrary to being labeled as just another wealthy tourist seeking to see the Titanic, Connor emphasizes that the purpose of the expedition is to demonstrate that successful research and exploration of the ocean can be achieved when approached correctly. The project will involve multiple research dives in the North Atlantic area, where there are hydrothermal vents and seamounts that have been minimally explored. Connor will copilot the submersible with Patrick Lahey, Triton’s cofounder and CEO, and the expedition is set to launch in the summer of 2026.
In addition to the Titanic exploration, Lahey plans to conduct scientific research at the wreck site that could lead to potentially groundbreaking discoveries. There are over 100,000 seamounts worldwide that remain unexplored, and the expedition aims to shed light on the unique animal life that has evolved in these isolated deep-sea environments. The development of the submersible, named the Explorer, is another key objective of the expedition, with its state-of-the-art design featuring an 18-inch-thick acrylic hull for unparalleled views of the ocean floor.
The idea for the expedition came after the deadly OceanGate disaster in 2023, when Connor sought to explore the possibility of conducting a safe dive to the Titanic. Following discussions with Lahey, the joint venture was formed last September, with a focus on ensuring the safety and reliability of the Explorer through rigorous testing by DNV, a certification company for maritime vessels. Connor, who made his fortune in real estate, thrives on extreme challenges and combines his adventurism with a commitment to safety and practical research in all his endeavors.
Despite his numerous accomplishments in extreme pursuits, Connor remains focused on ensuring safety and success in his endeavors. Before traveling to the International Space Station as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-1 mission in 2022, he underwent extensive training with NASA. In preparation for diving to the Titanic, Connor will become certified as a submersible pilot, highlighting his dedication to being fully prepared for each challenge he takes on. Looking ahead, Connor expresses interest in potentially returning to the International Space Station for further research opportunities.
In conclusion, Larry Connor’s latest mission to explore the Titanic shipwreck represents a continuation of his series of extreme adventures aimed at pushing the boundaries of exploration and research. With a focus on safety, scientific discovery, and technological innovation, the expedition is set to launch in 2026 and promises to offer unprecedented insights into the deep-sea environment and potentially pave the way for future explorations. Connor’s commitment to challenge, purpose, and practical research underscores his approach to extreme pursuits and sets the stage for further groundbreaking endeavors in the future.
