Survival against catastrophic odds at the bottom of the sea is nothing less than a cinematic thriller. Yet, for Arthur Loy Bowl, who narrowly escaped a maritime disaster two years prior, it was a grim reality that turned his life upside down. The chilling accident occurred on a journey to view the Titanic, where a high-tech submarine, ominously named Titan, imploded under immense oceanic pressure, snuffing out all five lives on board.
Arthur Loy Bowl, a seasoned marine explorer who rode the same Titan submersible back in 2021, reminisced about his experience. “Descending down to the Titanic, the feeling is hard to describe,” he started, recounting the trepidation that hung heavy in the underwater vessel as it dove into the depths of the ocean, often facing technical hitches. The sub’s electrical systems were a constant issue, keeping the crew on their toes, and sometimes necessitating a halt midway at 1600 meters.
Loy Bowl depicted the moment they hit the ocean bed, “A sigh of relief was almost audible; it felt like shedding tons of weight off our backs. But the Titanic still eluded us, needing another 20 minutes before the haunting silhouette of the legendary ship loomed into view.”
The sight of the doomed liner stirred up an overwhelming blend of excitement, accomplishment, and melancholy, difficult to capture in mere words. The expedition had been five years in the making, and the euphoria of finally witnessing the Titanic was indescribable.
However, the recent catastrophe has cast a dark shadow over his memories. “It was tough to grasp the tragedy, knowing I’d been aboard that same sub,” admitted Loy Bowl, clearly shaken by the catastrophe that was constantly replayed on media channels.
Despite the ordeal, Loy Bowl doesn’t dismiss the idea of returning to a submersible. However, he categorically ruled out boarding a vessel akin to Titan. “Perhaps it lacked experience, perhaps we don’t know the whole truth yet. There are so many questions. But on a submarine like Titan, I would never go again,” he stressed.
Reflecting on his lucky escape, Loy Bowl expressed gratitude for the fateful expedition that allowed him to visit the Titanic and return unscathed. His experience leaves all of us with a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath the sea and the fragility of life when venturing into the unexplored abyss.
