Dive expert friend of missing Brits on Titanic sub says vessel design is 'unconventional' and calls for 'rethink'

20 June 2023, 19:13 | Updated: 21 June 2023, 15:18

David Mearns (left) spoke to LBC about his two missing friends on the Titanic sub
David Mearns (left) spoke to LBC about his two missing friends on the Titanic sub. Picture: Alamy/Facebook/2 Seas Agency

By Emma Soteriou

The Titanic tourist sub design is "unconventional" and trips to the wreckage need to be rethought, a diver friend of two missing passengers has said.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Rescuers face a race against time to find the Titanic submersible, thought to be 12,500 feet below the surface, and retrieve its five passengers, before their oxygen supply runs out on Thursday.

Speaking on LBC's Tonight with Andrew Marr, experienced shipwreck hunter David Mearns spoke about the unique vessel and his connection to two of the people on board.

"[The sub] is no doubt an unconventional design and build, including the launching systems. It’s not like anything else that has preceded it," Mr Mearns said.

It comes after it was revealed that the submersible - run by the marine company OceanGate Expeditions - is operated with a modified video game controller.

"Whatever happens, and hopefully all five men come home safely, I think there’s going to be an investigation and a rethink about this type of activity," Mr Mearns added.

"Lessons of some type need to be learned."

Listen and subscribe to Unprecedented: Inside Downing Street on Global Player

Mearns: the sub is an 'unconventional design' and investigation needed into dives

Mr Mearns also spoke about his connection to UK billionaire Hamish Harding and Paul-Henri Nargeolet, who had been dubbed as the "Titanic's greatest explorer".

"I know both men – one professionally and one socially – they are from completely different backgrounds and positions in life but I know they would’ve got on together like a house on fire," Mr Mearns said.

"They’re two characters so it would not surprise me if we learned that Hamish actually requested that PH join him or that it was almost a match made where they said ‘Hamish you need to dive with PH because he will give you the best illumination to the wreckage, the history'... he knows the debris field and he knows the two bits of Titanic as well as anybody does.

"Theres probably only one or two people who have done more dives to the site than he does."

Read more: Forty hours of 'breathable' air left on missing Titanic sub as underwater drones deployed in search

Read more: 'We have to move now!': Vital equipment needed to rescue Titanic submersible 'stuck on tarmac due to US bureaucracy'

David Mearns: 'it is the most hostile environment'

At a press conference on Tuesday evening, the US coast guard said they now only have 40 hours to find the missing group.

Captain Frederick said that the search is “very complex” as he issued his thoughts and prayers for the crew and their families as the search continues.

Remotely operated vehicles (ROV) have now been deployed to dive to the sub's last known location.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Delap, 22, has signed a six-year contract with the Blues after the release clause in his deal was activated following Ipswich's relegation from the Premier League.

Chelsea snap up £30m striker Liam Delap from Ipswich

Exclusive
The situation in Gaza is 'worse than hell', says Labour MP

The situation in Gaza is 'worse than hell', says Labour MP

K

Sex offender who planned to meet '13-year-old girl' with condoms in his pocket deported to Pakistan

Chelsea defender Millie Bright has withdrawn from selection for this summer’s European Championship.

'Not able to give 100 per cent' – England’s Millie Bright pulls out of Euros squad

Gen Z women in the UK are paid higher than young men - as gender pay gap reverses.

'Symptom of a wider change': Gen Z women in the UK are paid higher than young men - as gender pay gap reverses

Riverside County Sheriff deputies walk past the front of a fertility clinic that was bombed on May 18, 2025.

FBI makes arrest after man died while blowing up California fertility clinic in ‘act of terrorism’

Morten Harket of A-Ha performs on stage during Jardins de Pedralbes Festival in 2022.

A-ha frontman, 65, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and 'doesn't know if he can sing anymore'

Ambulance makes its way past fans of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on a street outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 04

At least 11 people die in stampede outside cricket stadium during IPL title celebrations

Oarfish are considered a bad omen when seen outside of their natural habitat.

Dog walker discovers rare fish linked to dark 'doomsday' legend washed up on beach

Love Island contestant Kyle Ashman has been axed from the reality TV show.

'I'm not a violent person': Love Island contestant axed ahead of the show over alleged 'machete attack' arrest

Erin Patterson has admitted feeding poison mushrooms to her relatives

Woman on trial for 'mushroom murders' claims she was trying to cook up 'something special'

After the lawyers wrote to officials to change the ruling - Sofia's mother has now received an approval notice for humanitarian parole for another year.

Seriously ill girl ordered to leave US and return to Mexico granted year's reprieve after warning she could die within days

Queen of the rodeo Beyonce will saddle up in London

From Texas to the Thames: Beyonce to bring her Cowboy Carter tour to London

Greta Thunberg enjoying her time on board the 'aid' ship in a picture posted on social media (L), and embarking on the voyage (R)

'We will act accordingly': Israel threatens Greta Thunberg ship heading for Gaza

Daniel Anjorin, 14, was killed on his way to school

Boy, 14, hacked to death by samurai sword after 'killer skinned his own cat in psychotic episode caused by cannabis'

x

'Worst holiday I've ever been on': Brit tourist blasts 'nightmare' at Corfu hotel because there was 'no English food'