A submersible craft carrying its crew has gone missing in the Atlantic Ocean during an expedition to explore the wreck of the Titanic.

The US coast guard reported the loss of contact approximately one hour and 45 minutes into the dive.

The tour firm responsible for the expedition, OceanGate, stated that it is exploring all options to ensure the safe return of the crew.

A coordinated search and rescue operation involving government agencies and deep-sea firms is currently underway.

OceanGate offers expeditions to the Titanic at a cost of $250,000 (£195,612) per seat.

The legendary ship rests approximately 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) below the surface, some 435 miles (700 km) south of St John’s, Newfoundland.

The missing craft is believed to be OceanGate’s Titan submersible, a truck-sized vessel designed to accommodate five people and equipped with a four-day emergency oxygen supply.

During a press conference, Rear Adm John Mauger of the US Coast Guard revealed that there may be between 70 and 96 hours of oxygen available to the crew.

The search efforts involve two aircraft, a submarine, and sonar buoys. However, the remote location of the search area presents challenges for the operation.

Rear Adm Mauger emphasized that the rescue teams are fully committed to bringing the crew back home safely, expressing a personal connection to the mission.

One of the individuals on the missing submarine is Hamish Harding, a 58-year-old British billionaire businessman and explorer.

His family confirmed his presence on the expedition. Harding had previously expressed excitement about being part of the mission, acknowledging the challenging weather conditions in Newfoundland but stating that a weather window had opened up, allowing for a dive attempt.

OceanGate issued a statement emphasizing their primary focus on the safety of the crew and their families. The company expressed gratitude for the extensive assistance provided by government agencies and deep-sea companies in their efforts to re-establish contact with the submersible.

The eight-day trip offered by OceanGate is described as an extraordinary opportunity to explore something beyond the realm of everyday life.

The company lists ongoing and planned expeditions to the Titanic, with the submersible typically carrying a pilot, three paying guests, and a content expert.

The departure point for these expeditions is St John’s in Newfoundland, which is located approximately 370 miles (600 km) from the wreckage site.

Each full dive to the wreck takes around eight hours, including descent and ascent.

OceanGate owns three submersibles, with the Titan being the only one capable of reaching the depths required to access the Titanic wreckage.

Weighing 10,432 kg (23,000 lbs), the Titan can reach depths of up to 4,000 meters and provides 96 hours of life support for a crew of five.

A CBS reporter who previously traveled in the Titan submersible, David Pogue, explained the communication challenges faced by both the submersible and the support crew.

He noted that there is currently no means of communication underwater, as GPS and radio signals do not work in those conditions.

Pogue also highlighted the sealed nature of the submersible, which requires external crew assistance to exit the vessel.

The Titanic, famously known as the largest ship of its time, tragically sank after hitting an iceberg during its maiden voyage in 1912.

With over 1,500 casualties out of the 2,200 passengers and crew onboard, it remains one of the most devastating maritime disasters in history.

Since its discovery in 1985, extensive exploration of the wreckage has taken place. The ship lies in two sections, with a debris field surrounding the broken vessel.

Last month, the first full-sized digital scan of the wreck was created, providing detailed insights into the scale and intricate features of the ship.