A year after the tragic Titan submersible disaster, Larry Connor, a 74-year-old real estate tycoon from Ohio, is embarking on a groundbreaking $20 million submarine project aimed at demonstrating safe exploration of Titanic wreck site in the North Atlantic.
Connor’s plan involves descending 12,400 feet to the ocean floor in a two-person submersible crafted by Triton Submarines, a renowned manufacturer.
The initiative follows the fatal incident where five individuals, including OceanGate founder Stockton Rush, lost their lives during a dive to the Titanic wreck site when the submersible suffered a catastrophic implosion.
In a statement on the Wall Street Journal, Connor expressed his motivation for the project, stating, “I want to show people worldwide that while the ocean is extremely powerful, it can be wonderful and enjoyable and really kind of life-changing if you go about it the right way.”
Collaborating with Patrick Lahey, an experienced diver and submersible designer from Triton Submarines, Connor aims to showcase the safety and feasibility of deep-sea exploration.
The duo plans to undertake the expedition using the Triton 4000/2 Abyssal Explorer, a cutting-edge submersible known for its unmatched capabilities and the ability to dive to extreme depths repeatedly and safely.
Lahey emphasized the importance of building a reliable submersible that can navigate Titanic-level depths without compromising safety, contrasting it with the ill-fated Titan submersible.
Connor is determined to redefine the narrative surrounding underwater expeditions and showcase the potential for safe and transformative oceanic experiences.
The tragic events of June 18, 2023, where the Titan submersible imploded under immense water pressure, resulting in the loss of multiple lives, serve as a somber reminder of the risks associated with deep-sea exploration.
This ambitious project seeks to address these challenges and pave the way for safer and more sustainable underwater adventures in the future.
The specific timeline for Connor and Lahey’s voyage to the Titanic wreck site remains undisclosed at this time.
