A year after the tragic OceanGate submarine disaster, U.S. billionaire Larry Connor is preparing to finance a new expedition to the wreck of the Titanic. Connor, a property tycoon from Ohio known for his adventurous pursuits, aims to demonstrate that deep-sea exploration can be conducted safely.
Connor's latest venture will be in collaboration with Patrick Lahey, CEO of Triton Submarines. Triton, a company specializing in mini submersibles, seeks to restore confidence in the safety of deep-sea sightseeing. Lahey has been vocal about his disapproval of the OceanGate submarine, describing it as a "monstrosity." He was also personally connected to one of the OceanGate disaster victims, explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet. "I tried to do everything I could to discourage him from going out there. I know many people that knew him did the same thing," Lahey told BOAT magazine.
The planned expedition will utilize a Triton 4000/2 model submarine, a two-person vessel capable of diving to 4,000 meters—200 meters deeper than the Titanic wreck site. This venture aims to underscore the reliability and safety of Triton's technology. The submarine will be launched from the $30 million Abyssal Explorer, which is rated for deep dives and equipped to handle the challenging conditions of the North Atlantic seabed.
Connor, who has been labeled a "thrillionaire" by Forbes for his penchant for high-stakes adventures, has previously funded expeditions to the Mariana Trench and was one of the early space tourists to visit the International Space Station in 2022. Reflecting on his approach to risk, Connor told the Wall Street Journal’s Kevin Koenig, "You’ve got to be willing to take calculated risk, not stupid risk."
The OceanGate disaster, which occurred in June of the previous year, resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including OceanGate’s CEO Stockton Rush and notable explorers Hamish Harding and Paul-Henri Nargeolet, as well as tourists Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman. Despite the high-profile nature of the tragedy, Connor remains committed to showcasing the potential for safe deep-sea exploration. "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," he said.
As the anniversary of the OceanGate disaster approaches, Connor's planned expedition serves as both a tribute to the resilience of human curiosity and a testament to the advancements in submersible technology. The exact date of the dive has not been disclosed, but the mission's objectives are clear: to vindicate the reputation of deep-sea tourism and inspire confidence in the safety protocols of modern submersibles.
While the memory of the OceanGate disaster remains vivid, the willingness of affluent adventurers like Connor to explore the depths of the ocean signals a continuing interest in and commitment to deep-sea exploration. Through calculated risk and advanced technology, Connor and Lahey aim to set a new standard for underwater expeditions, proving that with the right approach, the wonders of the deep ocean can be safely and responsibly accessed.
