Are Deep-Sea Mini-Subs Equipped with Advanced Locator Systems?
Recent reports and past incidents suggest that many deep-sea mini-submersibles are not equipped with comprehensive locator systems similar to the sophisticated black boxes found on commercial airliners. This article explores the likelihood of such systems being present in these modern submersibles, especially in the case of recent lost mini-sub events.
The Typical Minus-Sub
The vast majority of deep-sea mini-submersibles are far from state-of-the-art technology. Many are built with minimal resources and makeshift components, relying on basic systems and gamepad controls. A recent CBS report highlights this, describing a submersible controlled by a Logitech gamepad and using a simple water bottle for bathroom facilities. Such designs raise serious questions about the presence of advanced locator systems.
Locator Systems: Fiction vs. Reality
The prospects of finding a lost submersible are slim. A private CBS report from earlier this month suggested that most subs are not equipped with robust locator systems. The chances of such a system being present are much the same as the author being the first spinal stenosis patient to walk on the Moon during the Artemis mission. If the weekly update on the missing submersible is accurate, there are between 60 to 90 hours of air left, and the sub cannot be opened from the inside even if it is intact. These factors significantly reduce the chances of survival and recovery.
Search and Rescue Challenges
The search and rescue efforts for a lost mini-sub are exceedingly challenging due to the vastness of the ocean and the limitations of the submersibles. The Titanic, despite being one of the largest ships in history, took 73 years to find. A modern mini-sub is much smaller and can hold only a handful of passengers, making detection far more difficult.
If the sub sank, it is very likely to remain undetected for years or even decades. An expert in the field notes that 883-foot-long Titanic could carry over 3,500 passengers and crew, while a lost mini-sub is only the size of a minivan and holds just five passengers. The surface area of the ocean is enormous, and the search grids for such small crafts expand exponentially.
If the sub surfaced, it would be even more difficult to locate. As time passes, the sub moves further from its initial location, making the search area much larger and more extensive. Furthermore, even if the sub were found, factors such as water pressure and the sub's condition would significantly impact the rescue efforts.
Lack of Regulatory Standards
Another issue is the lack of international regulations covering high-tech submersibles, particularly those carrying a small number of specialists or adventurers. There are no stringent safety regulations for these vessels, and the potential hazards are well understood. A recent update mentions that 90 minutes into a dive, a submersible enters the realm of extreme pressure, where even minor plumbing issues can lead to catastrophic failures.
Unfortunately, the potential for accidents and the lack of robust emergency systems mean that finding these deep-sea adventurers in peril remains an uphill battle. As one expert noted, the incident of the lost mini-sub could be years before it is discovered, if at all. The chances of rescue are slim, and the more pressing issue becomes understanding why such ventures are pursued with such limited safeguards.
The phrase "More money than sense" comes to mind, reflecting the wisdom of a grandmother who perhaps had a better grasp of the dangers and impracticalities of such endeavors.