After the unfortunate incident aboard the OceanGate Titan Sub, a crucial question emerges: “Are submersibles on cruise ships safe?”
Unfortunately, The Titan Sub imploded near the Titanic’s wreck in the Atlantic, sparking a ripple effect of concerns over the submersibles on cruises. Several different expedition lines feature submersibles, allowing passengers to take underwater excursions. Some include:
- Viking Octantis & Viking Polaris
- Seabourn Venture & Seabourn Pursuit
- Scenic Elipse I & Scenic Eclipse II
The submersibles onboard these cruise ships offer a remarkable range of functionalities and innovative features. Cruise lines are committed to prioritising the safety and security of their passengers. To create unforgettable experiences, they offer specialised submersibles or submarines designed for thrilling underwater exploration and sightseeing adventures. However, it’s important to recognise that complete safety cannot be guaranteed in any activity or mode of transportation.
They also mentioned that “Modern submersibles are without doubt the safest way to dive into the heart of our oceans.”
Viking Octantis & Viking Polaris
A statement released by Viking Cruises mentioned, ‘Viking’s piloted submarines feature a multitude of safety systems and built-in redundancies in case of failures. They continued saying, ‘The training our Submarine Pilots and Surface Officers receive exceeds all recommended industry standards, and regular safety drills anticipating every possible emergency situation ensure that each dive is conducted under the most stringent of safety conditions’.
Seabourn Venture & Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn currently operates four submersibles, although they have yet to provide official statements regarding their operations or include detailed information on their website.
Scenic Elipse I & Scenic Eclipse II
Scenic operates custom-built submersibles on both vessels, crewed by specialist pilots. Scenic mentions that guests need to arrange consent from their doctors, ensuring their fitness to embark on the captivating 40-minute voyage descending up to 300 metres beneath the waves.
Scenic has mentioned on its website, “We will continue to remain focused on health and safety measures to ensure you have a memorable journey. We are also committed to adjusting our policies to reflect the requirements in the regions we visit, and you will be advised of any changes well in advance of your travel commencing.”
