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Five passengers hoping to explore the Titanic wreck via an exclusive tourist experience have gone missing in a submersible called the Titan, since they went into the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday morning, June 18, 2023.
Source: OceanGate
What should have been a roughly ten-hour round trip has stretched into days. The vessel’s last contact with land was a “ping” to its support ship, Port Prince, on Tuesday.
Here’s what we know about the situation so far:
Which tourist company is behind the Titanic expedition?
OceanGate Inc, a privately owned company in the United States, headquartered in Everett, Washington. Founded in 2009, it provides access to the deep ocean through crewed submersibles and launch platforms.
How much did passengers pay?
OceanGate Inc charged a total of $250,000 per tourist for the experience. It was part of a ten-day mission (eight days at sea) in five legs.
When did they go missing?
Five passengers, including Stockton Rush, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of OceanGate Inc, embarked on the two-hour descent to the Titanic’s wreck at 1 p.m WAT on Sunday. The submersible was reported overdue by Sunday evening, having lost contact with its support ship an hour and 45 minutes after going underwater.
Who are the people in the submersible?
There are five people onboard the Titan.
Source: New York Times
Stockton Rush (Founder and CEO, OceanGateInc), who’s said to be piloting the vessel.
Source: NewYorkTimes
Hamish Harding, a British billionaire and serial explorer who went on an outer space mission in 2022.
Source: NewYorkTimes
Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a French maritime expert and veteran Titanic visitor.
Source: NewYorkTimes
Shazhada Dawood and Suleman Dawood, British-Pakistani businessman and his 19-year-old son.
How much time do they have?
OceanGate designed the Titan submersible to carry five people and provide 96 hours of oxygen for all on board. As of 1p.m. on Tuesday, the US Coast Guard said it likely had about 40 hours of oxygen left. The oxygen is bound to last until Thursday morning, which means it’s crucial for the submersible to be located and retrieved before this time.
Are there search operations underway?
Search agencies from the US and Canada have commenced rescue missions for the OceanGate Titan submersible. The US Coast Guard says as of Wednesday, an area two times the size of Connecticut in the U.S., up to 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) deep has been searched.
Is OceanGate’s Titan submersible different from a submarine?
Source: OceanGate
Unlike a submarine, which is much bigger complex in design, a submersible has limited features. It has a limited power reserve and can’t stay underwater as long as a submarine, which can spend months there. OceanGate’s Titan weighs 10,432 kg (23,000 lbs), has a five-person capacity and can go 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) underwater.
Is this OceanGate’s first expedition to the Titanic wreck?
There have been successful expeditions to the Titanic wreck in 2021 and 2022.
How deep in the ocean is the Titanic wreck?
Source: FoxWeather
The Titanic wreck is about 12,500 feet below sea level. For context, the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa is 2,717 feet tall.
When did the Titanic sink?
The Titanic sank in April 1912, after hitting an iceberg on the North Atlantic Ocean. The ship had over 2000 passengers onboard and was headed to New York City after departing Southampton on its maiden voyage.
After the ship — which was the biggest ever at the time — sank, Titanic’s wreck remained hidden from human sight for over 70 years. American oceanographer and marine geologist, Robert Ballard, finally found it in 1985. Since then, it’s been a fixture of international curiosity, further made popular by James Cameron’s award-winning movie, Titanic, in 1997.
Titanic is a story of forbidden love between two young people separated by social class but brought together by fate. It might as well be a Nollywood production, with Kunle Remi as Jack and Osas Ighodaro as Rose. Here’s what would happen in that version.
No iconic railing scene
What will carry Kunle and Osas to the railing? The rescue scene would’ve been different because Osas (Rose) would choose death by poison, and Kunle (Jack) would bring out juju from his pocket to raise her from death.
They’d meet at a wedding
The meet-cute would be at an owambe. Rose would be on the bridal train, and Jack would be a waiter. He’d rescue the drunk Rose from her older lover who’s trying to take advantage of her.
Rose would have a clique
What’s a Nollywood rich girl without a group of spoilt rich friends? They’d make snide remarks whenever they see Jack, and because they’re jealous of Rose — and secretly want her rich fiance for themselves — they’d help him find and kill Jack.
Rose’s fiancee, Cal Chief, would send boys to Jack
You want to follow big man to drag babe? After they break his left leg, kidnap his mother and set his house on fire, his family would threaten to disown him if he doesn’t avoid her.
One poor girl would try to get Jack’s attention
She’d either be a cleaner on the ship or the daughter of the cook. She’d warn Jack against Rose. Then she’d confront Rose to focus on her rich boyfriend and leave Jack alone before she costs him his life.
Jack would lose the drawing
After drawing the nude portrait of Rose, Jack would lose the painting in his room. His friend would stumble on it while cleaning the house two days later and use the picture to blackmail Rose.
NB: They’d use a body double for the drawing scene.
Rose would get pregnant
After her mother comes to her room to check up on her for skipping lunch, Rose would say she’s feeling feverish.
Mama Rose: Ehen, let me see your eyes *proceeds to search eyes for signs of pregnancy* When last did you see your period?
Rose: Ehn Mama, I think… *rushes to the corner to vomit*
Mama Rose: Chimooo, you’re pregnant! *throws herself dramatically to the floor and faints*
The ship won’t sink
After the ship hits the iceberg, the passengers would come together to kabash and shout seven thunderous hallelujahs. They’d be fine in the end (To God be the Glory).
But if it does, the passengers would pay money to get on the lifeboat
Nothing like first-class ticket. If you don’t pay the captain in cash, they’d leave you to sink with the ship.
Jack would name his unborn child before he dies
With his dying breath, he’d tell Rose the child should be named after his grandfather. Because he’s his mother’s only child, so he can’t come and die for nothing.
Rose would find out Jack was a prince all along
She’d trace his roots and meet his family only to discover he was a prince who was testing her the whole time.
Just Imagineis a Zikoko weekly series that takes fictional pop culture icons and reimagines them as chaotic Nigerians.
You’ll find Nigerians everywhere. Literally. However, the one place you won’t find them is on a ship they just finished building. Except that ship is leaving Nigeria for the United States — like The Titanic.
So how would Titanic, the movie, have turned out if Nigerians were on the ship? On this episode of #JustImagine, we reimagine Jack and Rose as Jaja and Ronke.
This hot morning, the Lagos Island port is swarming with people struggling with their luggage and shouting on top of one another.
Docked at the harbour is a large ship with the words ‘THE TITANIC’ written boldly on it. A conductor is standing at the entrance of the ship.
Conductor: All aboard the titanic!
An old woman, Iya Agba, and her grandson, Tunji, walk to the entrance of the ship.
Iya Agba: Oya, Tunji, put all the load inside the ship.
Tunji:
Conductor: Heis! Stop there. Is it human being that is inside your bag?
Iya Agba: (ignores him) Tunji, put the load inside jare.
Conductor: Don’t make me slap you.
Iya Agba:
At that moment, a middle-aged woman and her beautiful young daughter, Ronke, walk up to the ship. They are accompanied by a rotund man, Chief Agbabiaka.
Conductor: Ha! Welcome Chief! Please, come in.
Ronke and her mother walk in while Chief Agbaika presses a note into the conductor’s hand.
Conductor: (grins and salutes)Thank you, sah!
Iya Agba: Won’t you let us enter?
Conductor: Do you want to sink the ship with your stupid load?
Iya Agba: Is not the ship that I am entering that will sink in Jesus name!
Iya Agba and Tunji start to rearrange their luggage. They remove foodstuff like yam, garri, egusi, crayfish and a grinding stone.
Conductor: (grimaces) See all this nonsense. Sha enter!
Iya Agba and Tunji enter the ship, the conductor shuts the door and The Titanic sets sail for the United States of America.
The ship is sailing and people are walking around with their luggage, trying to settle.
A young man, Jaja, is trying to force his way into a compartment when an attendant runs up to him.
Attendant: What are you doing there?
Jaja: I want to take bedsheet from this room. There’s no bedsheet in my own room.
Attendant: That’s because you’re in 3rd class. Use wrapper!
Jaja tries to force his way in but the attendant prevents him. They get into a scuffle.
Ronke and her mother are passing by. Ronke’s mum turns her nose up at the fight and continues to walk. Ronke briefly notices the exchange before she walks away.
Chief Agbabiaka and Ronke are seated in the dining area of the ship. He touches her hair, but she leans away from him.
Chief Agbabiaka: Ronke! Are you not happy that I am taking you and your mother to America?
Jaja enters the dining hall but goes unnoticed. Chief Agbabiaka continues to touch Ronke but she responds coldly.
Chief Agbabiaka: Look at what I bought for you.
He pulls out an expensive necklace, but Ronke is unimpressed.
Chief Agbabiaka: Ronke! Stop behaving like a child, you know what I want.
Chief Agbabiaka grabs her and tries to kiss her. As Ronke fights back, Jaja comes and breaks a ceramic plate on his head. Chief Agbabiaka passes out.
Ronke’s eyes widen as she looks from Jaja to Chief Agbabiaka.
Ronke: Ha! Did you kill him?
Jaja: E be like that o.
Ronke: He has not put me inside his will yet o! Wake him back.
Chief Agbabiaka starts to stir. Jaja sees this and runs out of the room.
Ronke:
The next day, Jack is standing on the deck and looking out to sea. Ronke walks up behind him.
Ronke: Thanks for helping me yesterday.
Jaja: It’s ok. I dey break people head on a steady.
Ronke: (laughs) So, what are you doing here?
Jaja: There’s this thing I like to do. Do you want to try?
Ronke: What?
Jaja: Close your eyes.
Ronke closes her eyes and Jaja nudges her towards the rails.
Jaja: Now, climb up.
Ronke opens her eyes and looks around.
Ronke: Climb to where?
Jaja: As in, climb on this railing.
Ronke: So I can fall inside water?
Jaja: You won’t fall. I will hold you and then you will now stretch your hand out. It will be like you’re flying.
Ronke: Did I tell you I’m a witch?
Jaja: It’s not like that. Just do it.
Ronke: Wo, I came to say thank you. I don’t know why you’re asking me to climb somewhere and fall inside water.
Ronke walks away and Jaja calls after her.
In the wheelhouse, the captain is busy steering the ship. A man is standing beside the captain and giving him instructions.
Man: Be cutting your hand! This is not how to drive this thing.
The captain ignores him and continues.
Man: Cut it to the left!
The captain leaves the wheel and turns around in anger.
Captain: Is this your ship?! Are you well? Why have you been shouting since morning? Do you know the way?
The ship suddenly starts to shake vigorously. The captain turns to the wheel and starts to use it to steady the ship. The ship continues to shake.
Man: I talk am! Cut your hand, you dey do nonsense!
The Captain runs out of the wheelhouse and to the deck.
Out on the deck, a crowd is gathered. The captain of the ship is trying to maintain order. Jaja, Ronke, Ronke’s mother and Chief Agbabiaka are a part of the crowd.
Captain: Everybody! calm down!
They all continue to scream. The captain fires a gun into the air and there is instant silence.
Captain: Is everybody mad? I say calm down!
Everyone: …
Captain: Our propeller has removed and this ship is going to sink.
Everyone goes into a frenzy. He shoots the gun again and there’s silence. The conductor whispers something in the captain’s ear.
Captain: Oh, the conductor just told me the propeller didn’t remove, sorry.
Everyone heaves a sigh of relief.
Captain: We didn’t have propeller from the beginning. I don’t know what you people will do because there is only one lifejacket, and it’s my own.
The ship starts to shake and Iya Agba starts to pray, loudly.
Chief Agbabiaka: Somebody should find me a boat! Do you know who I am?! I am Chief Jonah Agbabiaka, nephew of the Prince of Isale Eko! Find me a boat!
Ronke’s Mum: Take me too oh!
Iya Agba stops praying.
Iya Agba: You say your name is what?
Chief Agbabiaka: Agbabiaka Jonah.
Iya Agba: Is him. Is him we will throw him inside the water!
Iya Agba tries to throw Chief Agbabiaka overboard. Ronke’s mother hides. Chief Agbabiaka and Iya Agba continue to struggle, but no one pays them any mind.
A small distance away, a man in a traditional babalawo outfit is standing next to a young boy. He is doing a traditional dance as the boy watches.
Baba: (jumps and screams incantations) Opapaparada!
Boy: …
Baba: ….
Boy: Me, I can still see you oh.
Baba: I didn’t disappear? You can see me?
Boy: Live and direct.
Man: Mo daran! (I’m dead).
An Alfa and his students are in a circle. The Alfa is passing a bottle of water around. The students each take a sip from the water.
Alfa: I have prayed on this water. As we are drinking it, we are going to heaven.
Jaja enters into their midst and tries to collect the bottle from the Alfa, but he doesn’t give it to him.
Alfa: The water is not enough for us!
Jaja wrestles the bottle out of his hands and takes a sip.
Jaja: Alfa?
Alfa: (annoyed) What?
Jaja: Why are you people drinking Ogogoro here?
In the darkness, a bright light suddenly comes on. A man falls on his knees and stretches his hands out.
Man: Rapture is here! Take me Lord!
Jaja: It’s torchlight I on o.
Man: (annoyed) Are you mad? Why are you pointing torch light at me?
Jaja: You too, why are you waiting for rapture?
The man hisses. A brighter light comes on and the man raises his hand again.
Jaja: I on another torch light.
Man: Take your time!
The ship starts to go down as everyone continues to scream. Jaja and Ronke hold each other as the ship sucks them into the water.
They swim for a board floating on the water. Ronke climbs it and Jaja tries to climb but she pushes him off with her leg.
Jaja: Ronke?
Ronke: Jaja.
Jaja tries to climb again but she shoves him with her leg.
Jaja: Are you mad? Let me climb up now.
Ronke: It cannot contain us.
Jaja: See space there.
Ronke stretches her leg over the space.
Ronke: Shebi you can fly?
Jaja tries to climb again but Ronke hits his head.
Ronke: Is there something wrong with you? I SAY NO SPACE!
Jaja:
Ronke and Jaja argue until a bright light comes on.
Man in the water: (screams) The rapture is here!
Jaja: If you don’t shut up your mouth now!
Another ship comes into view and a man’s figure can be seen on the ship.
Captain in the water: US Immigration has come to pack us oh!
The man on the new ship raises a megaphone to his mouth and speaks.
Man: Hope you people know you’re in Badagry?
Alfa: (in the water) We have not reach New York?
Man: As we are fishing you out of this water, be taking number. All of you are going to prison.
Alfa:
Man: This ship you’re on was stolen from Lagos.
Captain starts to swim in the opposite direction.
Check back every Friday by 2pm for new stories in the Just Imagine series.
