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Banging sounds coming at 30-minute intervals have been heard in the search for the missing Titanic-tourism submersible, according to Rolling Stone, which cited an internal email update sent by the Department of Homeland Security’s National Operations Center.

The detection of “sounds” was announced by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Northeast early Wednesday (June 21), but it has not been confirmed whether they are coming from the missing vessel with five people on board. 

“Canadian P-3 aircraft detected underwater noises in the search area,” USCG Northeast tweeted. “As a result, ROV [remotely operated vehicle] operations were relocated in an attempt to explore the origin of the noises. Those ROV searches have yielded negative results but continue.” 

Canadian P-3 aircraft detected underwater noises in the search area. As a result, ROV operations were relocated in an attempt to explore the origin of the noises. Those ROV searches have yielded negative results but continue. 1/2June 21, 2023See more

The OceanGate Titan submersible went missing on Sunday (June 18) around 1 hour and 45 minutes into its 2-hour descent to the Titanic wreckage in the North Atlantic Ocean. As of 5 a.m. ET Wednesday morning, the submersible has less than 30 hours of oxygen remaining.  

What happened to the submersible is unclear. Possible scenarios include power loss, getting snagged on a piece of the Titanic or an implosion, potentially from a defect in the sub’s shape or build. The latter would mean that the five people on board — British explorer Hamish Harding, British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, former French navy diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet and Stockton Rush, chief executive and founder of OceanGate Expeditions, the company running the expedition — are unlikely to be alive. 

However, the discovery of sounds could mean that the passengers may still be alive, and search efforts are now focusing on the area they appear to be coming from. 

David Gallo, an American oceanographer who co-led an expedition to create a detailed map of the Titanic wreckage, told CNN the search for the submersible must now ramp up. “Time is of the essence because once you … have an area where you know that the bangs are coming from … you need to get assets there — submarines and robots — over that spot to investigate,” Gallo said.

“You can’t wait to slowly prove that there is something there. You should assume that there is something there, and move things now because time is running out.”

The Titan submersible before its descent from the surface. (Image credit: OceanGate)

According to the email seen by Rolling Stone, the 30-minute bangs were detected by a Boeing P-8 Poseidon — a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft that has underwater detection abilities from the air. Sonobuoys — small buoys that can perform underwater acoustic research — were then deployed. “The P8 heard banging sounds in the area every 30 minutes. Four hours later additional sonar was deployed and banging was still heard,” the email said. 

In an email to Live Science after the banging sounds were detected, Nicolai Roterman —  a deep-sea ecologist and marine biologist at the University of Portsmouth in the U.K. — said the 30-minute intervals would “certainly be consistent with the idea of a trapped crew trying to contact the outside world, while at the same time conserving energy and therefore oxygen.”

He added: “If this is the case, then it would indicate that the submersible is on the seafloor and either the system for jettisoning weight has failed, or Titan is snagged or trapped somehow.” Retrieving a stricken submersible

In a statement released before the detection of sounds was announced, Roterman said: “If the submersible is intact but unable to jettison weight or is snagged on the seafloor, the challenges for rescue become more acute, even if Titan is found. There are no submersibles that I’m aware of capable of rescuing people from a submersible at the depth of the Titanic (3,800 m) [12,500 ft]. However, it could conceivably be possible for an ROV to help un-snag the Titan, or to attach a tether of some sort.

“Whether or not retrieving a submersible from 3,800 m depth is practical is another matter, given the roughly 10-tonne [11 short tons] displacement of Titan and the kilometers of heavy cable required, a very powerful winch would be needed… I’m unaware of any submersible retrieval from such depths.”RELATED STORIES—Stunning full-scale scan of Titanic reveals complete shipwreck for the 1st time

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Roterman said that if the passengers are still alive on the seafloor, it would be extremely still and — if a power failure has occurred — very cold.

“If they have no power and no auxiliary systems, they will be in darkness as well. Because the hull will be cold under such conditions, condensation from breath will start to collect on the inside of the hull, which can be unnerving,” Roterman said. “The conditions are cramped with no room for standing up straight or stretching out, which can lead to numbness and cramp in the limbs. Given the situation, a big challenge for the occupants of Titan will be to maintain composure and not to panic, so as to prolong their air supply.”

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Entertainment

Grammys red carpet fashion 2025: All the best looks from the stars and nominees

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Grammys red carpet fashion 2025: All the best looks from the stars and nominees

Nominees and celebrity guests hit the red carpet in style at this year’s Grammy Awards.

With a focus on supporting relief efforts following the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires the tone was a little more muted, but the fashion as exciting as ever.

Here are some of the looks from the Grammys red carpet.

Kacey Musgraves brought some gold sparkle to the night. She's up for four gongs. Pic: AP
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Kacey Musgraves brought some gold sparkle to the night. She’s up for four gongs. Pic: AP

Read more: Everything to know ahead of the show

Kelsea Ballerini working monochrome. Pic: AP
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Kelsea Ballerini working monochrome. Pic: AP

As a big fan of keeping warm, I applaud St Vincent's sock-forward fashion choice here. Pic: AP
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As a big fan of keeping warm, I applaud St Vincent’s sock-forward fashion choice here. Pic: AP

Billie Eilish in black and white - a popular choice for the evening. Pic: AP
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Billie Eilish in black and white – a popular choice for the evening. Pic: AP

Jaden and Willow Smith both in black - their dad Will will be performing tonight. Pic: AP
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Jaden and Willow Smith both in black – their dad Will will be performing tonight. Pic: AP

Chappell Roan - who is up for six awards - went back in time to walk the red carpet. Pic: AP
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Chappell Roan – who is up for six awards – went back in time to walk the red carpet. Pic: AP

Sabrina Carpenter in powder blue and feathers. Pic: AP
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Sabrina Carpenter in powder blue and feathers. Pic: AP

Kanye West and Bianca Censori, who later stripped off her fur coat to reveal a very sheer dress... Pic: Reuters
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Kanye West and Bianca Censori, who later stripped off her fur coat to reveal a very sheer dress… Pic: Reuters

Sheryl Crow in shimmering asymmetric print paired with a killer smile. Pic:AP
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Sheryl Crow in shimmering asymmetric print paired with a killer smile. Pic:AP

Flying the flag for the UK, Raye in a diamanté adorned black silk gown. Pic: AP
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Flying the flag for the UK, Raye in a diamanté adorned black silk gown. Pic: AP

Gracie Abrams giving strong bridal vibes. Pic: AP
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Gracie Abrams giving strong bridal vibes. Pic: AP

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend looking elegant in black. Legend is presenting an award tonight. Pic: AP
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Chrissy Teigen and John Legend looking elegant in black. Legend is presenting an award tonight. Pic: AP

Maggie Rose in a burst of gold and green. Pic: Reuters
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Maggie Rose in a burst of gold and green. Pic: Reuters

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Politics

Sir Keir Starmer to urge EU nations to ‘shoulder more of the burden’ on defence spending

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Sir Keir Starmer to urge EU nations to 'shoulder more of the burden' on defence spending

Sir Keir Starmer will urge European countries to commit more in defence spending as he heads to Brussels for security talks.

The prime minister will call on Europe to “step up and shoulder more of the burden” to fend off the threat posed by Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

Sir Keir, the first prime minister to meet all the leaders of the 27 EU nations in Brussels since Brexit, will argue the bloc needs to capitalise on the weak state of the Russian economy by continuing with its sanctions regime.

The prime minister will meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday afternoon before travelling to meet with the leaders of the 27 EU member states at an informal meeting of the European Council.

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Sir Keir Starmer with Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, whom he hosted at Chequers on Sunday. Pic: PA

Sir Keir is expected to say: “We need to see all allies stepping up – particularly in Europe.

President Trump has threatened more sanctions on Russia and it’s clear that’s got Putin rattled. We know that he’s worried about the state of the Russian economy.

“I’m here to work with our European partners on keeping up the pressure, targeting the energy revenues and the companies supplying his missile factories to crush Putin’s war machine.

“Because ultimately, alongside our military support, that is what will bring peace closer.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ukrainian soldiers have message for Trump

Sir Keir’s suggestion that EU countries should spend more on defence is likely to open him up to criticism from the Conservatives, who have urged the government to increase defence spending to 2.5% of national income.

The prime minister said at the end of last year that he would “set out a path” to lift defence spending to 2.5% of national income in the spring.

The UK says it currently spends around 2.3% of GDP [gross domestic product] on defence.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy  meet at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, Oct. 10, 2024. Pic: Reuters
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at 10 Downing Street in October. Pic: Reuters

Last year EU member states spent an average of 1.9% of EU GDP on defence, according to the European Defence Agency, a 30% increase compared with 2021.

Earlier this week European Council President Antonio Costa said the 23 EU members who belong to NATO are likely to agree to raise the defence spending target above the current 2% of national output at the next NATO summit in June.

Read more:
Starmer must delicately balance his risky EU reset
Builder shortage challenging Labour’s growth plans

However, Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO – the military alliance consisting of 30 European countries and the US and Canada – arguing that his country is contributing too much to the alliance’s budget while Europeans contribute too little.

During the US election campaign, President Trump said America would only help defend NATO members from a future attack by Russia if they met their spending obligations.

He also said members of NATO should be contributing 5% of their GDPs to defence spending – rather than the previous target of 2%.

The session of the Informal European Council comes as the government seeks to reset its relationship with the EU and boost areas of cooperation, including on defence and tackling illegal migration.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Starmer hosts German chancellor

On Sunday the prime minister hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at his country residence Chequers, where the two leaders agreed on the “importance of scaling up and coordinating defence production across Europe”, Downing Street said.

However, the government has repeatedly said that a closer relationship with the EU will only be sought within its red lines – meaning there will be no return to freedom of movement and rejoining the customs union or single market.

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UK

Sir Keir Starmer to urge EU nations to ‘shoulder more of the burden’ on defence spending

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on

By

Sir Keir Starmer to urge EU nations to 'shoulder more of the burden' on defence spending

Sir Keir Starmer will urge European countries to commit more in defence spending as he heads to Brussels for security talks.

The prime minister will call on Europe to “step up and shoulder more of the burden” to fend off the threat posed by Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

Sir Keir, the first prime minister to meet all the leaders of the 27 EU nations in Brussels since Brexit, will argue the bloc needs to capitalise on the weak state of the Russian economy by continuing with its sanctions regime.

The prime minister will meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday afternoon before travelling to meet with the leaders of the 27 EU member states at an informal meeting of the European Council.

xxx
Image:
Sir Keir Starmer with Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, whom he hosted at Chequers on Sunday. Pic: PA

Sir Keir is expected to say: “We need to see all allies stepping up – particularly in Europe.

President Trump has threatened more sanctions on Russia and it’s clear that’s got Putin rattled. We know that he’s worried about the state of the Russian economy.

“I’m here to work with our European partners on keeping up the pressure, targeting the energy revenues and the companies supplying his missile factories to crush Putin’s war machine.

“Because ultimately, alongside our military support, that is what will bring peace closer.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ukrainian soldiers have message for Trump

Sir Keir’s suggestion that EU countries should spend more on defence is likely to open him up to criticism from the Conservatives, who have urged the government to increase defence spending to 2.5% of national income.

The prime minister said at the end of last year that he would “set out a path” to lift defence spending to 2.5% of national income in the spring.

The UK says it currently spends around 2.3% of GDP [gross domestic product] on defence.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy  meet at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, Oct. 10, 2024. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at 10 Downing Street in October. Pic: Reuters

Last year EU member states spent an average of 1.9% of EU GDP on defence, according to the European Defence Agency, a 30% increase compared with 2021.

Earlier this week European Council President Antonio Costa said the 23 EU members who belong to NATO are likely to agree to raise the defence spending target above the current 2% of national output at the next NATO summit in June.

Read more:
Starmer must delicately balance his risky EU reset
Builder shortage challenging Labour’s growth plans

However, Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO – the military alliance consisting of 30 European countries and the US and Canada – arguing that his country is contributing too much to the alliance’s budget while Europeans contribute too little.

During the US election campaign, President Trump said America would only help defend NATO members from a future attack by Russia if they met their spending obligations.

He also said members of NATO should be contributing 5% of their GDPs to defence spending – rather than the previous target of 2%.

The session of the Informal European Council comes as the government seeks to reset its relationship with the EU and boost areas of cooperation, including on defence and tackling illegal migration.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Starmer hosts German chancellor

On Sunday the prime minister hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at his country residence Chequers, where the two leaders agreed on the “importance of scaling up and coordinating defence production across Europe”, Downing Street said.

However, the government has repeatedly said that a closer relationship with the EU will only be sought within its red lines – meaning there will be no return to freedom of movement and rejoining the customs union or single market.

Continue Reading

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