Wish to visit Titanic? One of the last chances coming-up
Over a century ago, a trip aboard the Titanic was reserved for the wealthiest. Cut to2018, and it still is. If you can shell out $100,000 (Rs. 68L), OceanGate, a US-based deep-sea exploration company, will take you 13,000 feet below sea level to the ruins of arguably the most famous ship of all time. The price surely looks steep, but what if it's your last chance to visit?
If you don't know about the Titanic...
The Titanic made its maiden journey in April-1912, traveling from Southampton to New York. Before it started, it was hailed as the "unsinkable" ship, one of the biggest and grandest ever built. But on April 15, over half of the 2,224 people on board drowned when the ship hit a giant iceberg. In 1998, it was immortalized on screen in the famous namesake movie.
Bear in mind: The OceanGate trip isn't only fun
Now OceanGate is taking 54 tourists to the ruins on board the Titan, "the only manned submersible capable of reaching depths of 4,000m that isn't government-owned." The 11-day trip was planned for May'18, but it had to be pushed back as inclement weather affected the sub's testing. Organizers insist it's not going to be just fun, and that passengers will help in their mission.
Here's what you get for $100,000
For one, the chance to explore the famous ship's ruins before they run out. At the same time, you can enjoy being called 'Mission Specialists' and learn basics about such expeditions. You will go for dives of up to as much as three hours. At that point below sea level, you will probably be lucky enough to glimpse majestic bioluminescent critters too.
To book tickets, do this
The journey will begin from Newfoundland, Canada, from where visitors will be carried aboard the submersible to the shipwrecked vessel. You can book the trip via OceanGate or their London-based affiliate Blue Marble Private.
If you can afford to, make a trip real soon
The remains of the Titanic were discovered by Robert Ballard's team 33 years ago, but according to a 2016 study, such trips might soon be coming to an end. The research described how the recently discovered "extremophile bacteria" can apparently eat away the ruins of the ship within 20 years. So make hay while the sun shines! If you have the money, that is.
