Image: OceanGate

Today is a somber day for all explorers, serving as a stark reminder that exploration, regardless of its form, carries inherent risks. Whether utilizing cutting-edge technology to traverse the heavens, conquering Earth’s highest peaks, or delving into the depths of the sea, every explorer willingly accepts these risks. We must never forget the sacrifices they make.

The tragic loss of five explorers during the OceanGate Titanic expedition serves as a gruesome reminder that we cannot allow the exploration of our world to become mundane or routine. Within each of us lies the spirit of an explorer, beckoning us to venture forth. The names of these brave souls shall forever remain etched in our memories.

• Stockton Rush
• Shahzada Dawood
• Suleman Dawood
• Hamish Harding
• Paul-Henry Nargeolet

Each of them embarked on a journey fueled by their passion, venturing to the far reaches of our planet that few have tread. We held onto hope, anxiously awaiting the next update in anticipation of positive news. However, as information trickled in and the clock counted down on the remaining oxygen supply, the grim reality became apparent. The crew was lost.

Thursday afternoon brought confirmation that the US Navy had detected sounds consistent with an implosion of the OceanGate submarine, Titan. Initially reported by The Wall Street Journal, it has since been confirmed by statements from the US Coast Guard and OceanGate.

Surely an investigation will be conducted to determine what went wrong and who was to blame. Only then can changes be made to ensure the future of ocean exploration will be as safe as it can be.

In the coming days, we shall find solace in mourning, cherishing memories, and even experiencing anger. However, we must continue to explore. It is the very essence of our humanity, and without it, our spirit withers away.

OceanGate must now face a lesson that NASA has learned time and again. They have lost costomers, they have lost their leader, but hopefully, they will not lose their determination to learn, to grow stronger, and to ensure that the joy for exploration, exhibited by the crew of Titan, lives on in each subsequent expedition.

Consider NASA’s own journey. They could have quit. They could have cut the Apollo program after the tragedy of Apollo 1. They could have grounded the Space Shuttle. Yet, the agency persisted, unwavering in their mission. Exploration endured, and it shall forever continue, as a tribute to those who explored before us.

Exploration is not a choice, really; it’s an imperative.

Micheal Collins, Apollo 11