Missing Titanic sub: Vital rescue equipment stuck in Jersey due to US import delays

The rescue equipment has been stuck in Jersey overnight while it awaits clearance to be imported to the USA. Credit: Magellan / PA

Vital equipment needed to help rescue a stricken submersible craft touring the wreckage of the Titanic is stuck in Jersey due to an issue importing the rescue gear into the USA.

The submersible craft, named the Titan, disappeared off the coast of Canada on Sunday with limited oxygen on board.

Five people have been confirmed to be on board the vessel, including Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son, Sulaiman Dawood, and British billionaire Hamish Harding.

The Titan lost contact around two hours into its voyage to the shipwreck, which is 12,500 feet under the sea around 370 miles from Canada.

But US government bureaucracy has hampered rescue efforts as essential equipment remains stuck on the island of Jersey, while the required paperwork is signed for it to be imported.

The Titanic sank 370 miles off the coast of Newfoundland in April 1912.

While the rescue gear is being offered by Guernsey-based underwater research firm Magellan, it has been stored at their base in Jersey.

The company previously surveyed the Titanic wreckage forming a detailed scan of the site, as well as assisting authorities dealing with the L'Ecume II fishing boat tragedy.

The rescue equipment includes a specialised winch with a 7,000m synthetic rope, designed for deep water operations.

Magellan says it was contacted by OceanGate - the company which operates the submersible craft - early on Monday 19 June and offered to transport its equipment to St John's, Newfoundland to assist in the rescue.

The equipment on a lorry at New North Quay in St Helier, Jersey. Credit: Magellan

David Concannon, an advisor who works with OceanGate told the US TV channel, NewsNation:

"This equipment has been on the tarmac for hours. When I communicate with the US government, I get 'out of office' replies - not from everyone, but from key people that have a sign-off on this."

ITV News understands staff at Jersey Airport have been on standby, awaiting the arrival of a US military plane to transport the rescue gear, but have since been stood down and the plane is no longer expected.

However, that has not been confirmed by Magellan, which says it has been working with agencies in the UK and the US to secure the required air support to transport its specialist equipment and crew, adding "We are ready to support, and fully mobilised to help."

The company added that their thoughts, prayers, and hopes remain with those on board the submersible, as well as with their families and loved ones.

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