Want to take part in future trips to Titanic shipwreck? OceanGate to carry on missions despite tragedy

OceanGate, the company behind for the ill-fated Titan submersible expedition to the Titanic shipwreck, is still promoting future trips to the underwater ruins on its website, despite the tragedy that claimed the lives of all five passengers just over a week ago.

According to the OceanGate website, two expeditions to the Titanic have been scheduled for 2024, taking place from June 12-20 and June 21-29. The site also mentions that the 2023 mission is currently in progress.

Each expedition costs $250,000 per person, offering one submersible dive, private accommodations, necessary training, expedition gear, and all meals during the journey. The maximum capacity for each dive is limited to six individuals, with a minimum age requirement of 17 years.

The website provides details about the accommodations, including stateroom bedrooms and shared bathrooms, along with the availability of Wi-Fi connectivity on the submersible. In addition to textual information, the site features photographs and videos showcasing scenes from previous expeditions and testimonials from participants, reported HT.

Also read: Titanic Submarine highlights: US, Canada probe submersible implosion, formal inquiry yet to be launched

Described as an "8-day expedition to dive on the iconic wreck," the journey departs from the Atlantic coast of Canada, located 380 miles offshore and 3,800 meters beneath the surface. “Intrepid travelers will sail from the Atlantic coast of Canada for an 8-day expedition to dive on the iconic wreck that lies 380 miles offshore and 3,800 meters below the surface,” the OceanGate website stated.

OceanGate's marketing drive highlights that the dive not only offers an exciting and unique travel experience but also contributes to scientific research and understanding of the wreck and the deep ocean environment. 

“You dive will provide not only a thrilling and unique travel experience, but also help the scientific community learn more about the wreck and the deep ocean environment. Every dive also has a scientific objective and you can learn more about the research we support here,” stated OceanGate website. 

The trip spans 8 days and 7 nights, commencing in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. The dive to the Titanic wreckage begins on day 3 and concludes on day 7, with the return to St. John's on day 8.

Despite the recent tragedy, the website mentions potential content experts who may join future expeditions. Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, a renowned Titanic expert, was among the passengers who tragically lost their lives during the most recent ill-fated expedition.

Also read: First glimpse of debris from imploded Titanic submersible

The other passengers onboard the Titan submersible during the catastrophic implosion were OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush,61, British billionaire Hamish Harding,58, prominent Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood,48, and his son Sulaiman Dawood,19. It is suspected that all passengers suffered immediate fatalities as a result of the implosion that occurred on June 18, reported HT.