A Mexican man who embarked on a harrowing undersea descent last year aboard the same submersible that has gone missing en route to the Titanic wreck revealed that his voyage was cut short due to a sudden battery drain.
Alan Estrada, an actor and YouTuber, secured a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the famed ocean liner’s remains on OceanGate’s Titan submersible in July of last year.
Estrada’s excursion, however, was unexpectedly shortened by approximately four hours when the submersible’s battery levels plummeted below 40 percent, compelling the crew to abort the mission and resurface. The vlogger shared this incident in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
Recalling the ordeal, Estrada detailed the nerve-wracking experience of witnessing the battery drain on the vessel. He expressed his initial excitement at being part of the historic expedition and the anticipation of exploring the iconic wreckage. However, as the voyage progressed, the unforeseen battery issue emerged, causing concern among the crew and passengers alike.
Estrada described the moment when the submersible’s battery levels rapidly decreased, forcing a hasty change in plans. The crew swiftly made the decision to abandon the intended exploration of the Titanic wreck and initiate an early return to the surface. While disappointed, Estrada recognized that safety should always take precedence in such circumstances.
The incident has brought attention to the challenges faced by deep-sea explorations, particularly when venturing into extreme depths where reliability and functionality of equipment are critical.
The unexpected battery drain serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in these endeavors, even with state-of-the-art technology and thorough planning.
OceanGate, the company operating the Titan submersible, has not yet disclosed whether the current missing voyage is related to battery issues or any other technical difficulties.
However, Estrada’s account sheds light on the potential setbacks that can occur during deep-sea expeditions and highlights the importance of stringent safety measures.
The search for the missing submersible continues as rescue teams strive to locate the vessel and its five passengers. Sadly, the sub has now run out of oxygen.
Estrada’s revelation serves as a sobering reminder of the perils that can arise during undersea missions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety protocols and continuous advancements in deep-sea exploration technology.
