The Submersible Crew Planned to Collect DNA Samples Near the Titanic

OceanGate Expeditions hoped to use the submersible Titan to collect DNA samples from the wreckage of the Titanic. This was reported on Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal, citing letters from company representatives.

According to the publication, in addition to ferrying tourists to the Titanic's sinking site, the submersible was intended to extract water from the ship's wreckage for further study of the presence of DNA from living organisms. The experts aboard the support vessel aimed to examine rusting bacteria associated with the Titanic's hull and also gather information about organisms living in the seafloor sediment.

The paper quotes the words of Steve Barrett, head of the research company eDNAtec, who confirmed that the company is collaborating with OceanGate Expeditions. He noted that eDNAtec is studying DNA samples obtained during OceanGate Expeditions' submersible dive to the Titanic in 2022. The aim of the project is to monitor changes in marine vegetation and fauna in the vicinity of the shipwreck.