Cutting edge tech being used to find missing Titanic sub

As the search intensifies for the missing submarine near the Titanic wreck, searchers are turning to technology to aid in the rescue.

Despite looking like a giant coil of rope, it has quite a bit of power. The US Navy uses the Flyaway Deep Ocean Salvage System (FADOSS).

As of now, there is one FADOSS at St John’s waiting for a ROV (remotely operated vehicle) so that it can be deployed to the search area.

FADOSS works by welding the system to the deck of a ship and tying the other end to an ROV that dives into the ocean.

With its strength, it can lift 60,000 pounds (27,000kg) and descend as far as 20,000 feet (6096m).

With a FADOSS, the deepest recovery effort recorded is 19,750 feet. The Titanic wreck is at a depth of 12,467ft.

Large, bulky, and heavy sunken objects, such as aircraft and small boats, are usually recovered using FADOSS.

There are currently two submersibles capable of diving 20,000 feet below the ocean surface, and more are on their way, according to Coast Guard chiefs. An array of specialized ships, including tools that could help lift Titan from the seabed, is aiding the vehicles.

The missing vessel, with five people on board, has less than 24 hours’ worth of oxygen left. Around 14,000 square miles of search area have now been identified – twice the size of Connecticut.

It will take additional specialized tools to raise Titan up from 12,500ft below the surface, which is a mammoth task given that the underwater vehicles may be able to pinpoint Titan’s location.