- Race Against Time: Submersible’s Oxygen Supply Running Out
- Survival Factors: Oxygen Depletion, Carbon Dioxide, and Hypothermia
- Hope for Survival: Conservation Methods and Tenacity of the Crew
Being confined in a 22-foot submersible, potentially thousands of feet underwater, with oxygen running out, is claustrophobic and terrifying.
The precise location of the submersible Titanic and the condition of its five crew members are unknown. If the vessel is still intact, it may contain only a small quantity of oxygen, creating a race against the clock to locate the sub before it is too late.
Nevertheless, this schedule is not necessarily rigorous. Dr. Ken LeDez, an expert in hyperbaric medicine at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland, told that, dependent on the circumstances, some of the passengers could survive longer than anticipated.
“It depends on how cold they get and how effective they are at conserving oxygen,” he said, adding that shivering uses up a great deal of oxygen, whereas huddling together can help to conserve heat.
He stated that oxygen depletion is a gradual process. “It’s not like turning off a light; it’s like climbing a mountain,” he said. “As the temperature drops and your metabolism slows, the rate at which you ascend the mountain depends on the temperature and your metabolism.”
While acknowledging that we do not know the complete situation inside the submersible, Dr. LeDez stated that conditions may vary from person to person and that, despite the “disturbing” nature of the conversation, some individuals may survive longer than others.
Wednesday, US Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger stated that there were several unknowns regarding the search and rescue mission.
“We do not know the rate of oxygen consumption per occupant on the submarine,” said Rear Adm. Mauger.
Dr. LeDez also stated that oxygen depletion is not the only hazard on board.
The ship may have lost electrical power, which likely plays a role in regulating the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the ship.
As the oxygen level decreases, the personnel will exhale a greater proportion of carbon dioxide, which could have fatal consequences.
As carbon dioxide levels rise, the gas becomes sedative, similar to an anesthetic gas, and you will fall asleep.
If untreated, hypercapnia, or an excessive amount of carbon dioxide in the circulation, can be fatal.
Ryan Ramsey, a former captain of a Royal Navy submarine, claims he viewed online videos of the interior of Titan and did not observe a carbon dioxide removal system, also known as scrubbers.
This, he says, is the greatest problem of all.
In addition, the personnel is at risk for hypothermia, which occurs when the body becomes too cold.
If the submarine is on the ocean floor, according to Capt. Ramsey, the water temperature will be approximately 0°C. If it has also lost power, it cannot generate heat because it will not generate any energy.
However, hypothermia “could be their ally,” according to Dr. LeDez.
“There is a chance they could survive if they cool down sufficiently and lose consciousness,” he said, adding that the body will automatically attempt to adapt to survive.
The crew’s ability to make contact with the search and rescue mission, such as by pounding on the hull at regular intervals to attract attention, will diminish as a result of hypothermia, a lack of oxygen, and the buildup of carbon dioxide within the sub.
“If they’re unconscious, they won’t be able to help themselves very much,” explains Dr. LeDez.
Although the Coast Guard has warned that there is likely very little oxygen left, the personnel may be able to conserve their supplies for the time being.
Mr. Ramsey suggests that slowing their breathing would also be beneficial, but concedes that, given their stress, this may be problematic.
If they still have access to electricity, according to Dr. LeDez, they could also distribute carbon dioxide-absorbing granules or reduce their energy consumption.
The Coast Guard stated that the personnel had “limited rations” of food and water, but could not specify how much.
Dr. LeDez urges against prematurely terminating the search-and-rescue operation, stating that they may be able to survive even with extremely low oxygen levels.
Thursday, Rear Adm Mauger stated that in particularly complex cases, “people’s desire to live must also be taken into account.”
“Therefore, we continue our search and rescue efforts,” he told NBC’s Today program.
Dr. LeDez adds, “You know if anyone can endure in it, it’s these individuals. They could still be alive, but it depends on them having power and light to be able to locate things and construct these controls.
