As the search for the missing Titanic submersible intensifies, there have been reports of ‘noises’ coming from its last known location.
In a press conference earlier today (21 June), a US Coast Guard spokesperson revealed he ‘doesn’t know’ what the sound was.
However, Captain Jamie Frederick did state that people ‘need to have hope’ as the aquatic vessel’s air supply begins to dwindle.
Known as The Titan, the small submersible went missing on Sunday during a routine trip to visit the wreck of the Titanic.
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Before its disappearance, the OceanGate vehicle had an estimated 96 hours' worth of oxygen onboard – more than enough for the 10-hour trip.
Diving to incredible depths in the Atlantic Ocean, the sub contained five passengers, including British billionaire Hamish Harding, and French explorer Paul-Henry Nargeolet.
Also onboard was OceanGate’s CEO Stockton Rush.
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While rescue teams continue their search, there were reports of ‘banging’ being heard close to the vessel's last known location on Tuesday night.
They were first heard by a Canadian plane this morning and are the first possible clue in the rescue mission.
It’s significant as the US Coast Guard and other organisations are currently searching an area in a remote part of the ocean – which is estimated to be twice the size of Connecticut.
This could drastically reduce the search for the missing sub, however, experts have been unable to pinpoint what the sounds are.
At a press conference earlier today, the US Coast Guard confirmed that they were still unsure about the ‘banging’.
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Captain Frederick told the press: "We don't know what [the noises] are, to be frank with you."
"We're searching in the area where the noises were detected," he then added, insisting that they ‘need to have hope’.
He also revealed that additional search tools would be arriving tomorrow to assist with the extensive search.
A French submersible robot named Victor 6000 is being rushed to the area and is due to arrive Wednesday evening local time, with the device being able to dive to depths of 6,000 meters.
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However, it’s expected that the missing Titan sub will run out of air on Thursday – leaving little time to find the missing vessel.
"Our efforts are solely focused on search," said Captain Frederick: "This is a search and rescue operation - 100%."
Back in 2019, crew member Paul-Henry Nargeolet warned of the real danger facing those diving to such depths:
"If you are 11m or 11km down, if something bad happens, the result is the same," he told the Irish Examiner, adding: "When you’re in very deep water, you’re dead before you realise that something is happening, so it’s just not a problem."
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/ @Reuters/ American Photo Archive/AlamyTopics: World News