(WFSB) - Rescue crews continue to search for five people who are stuck inside a submersible in the northern waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The U.S. Coast Guard gave an update on the search. More ships and vessels are being used. You can watch it below:
Channel 3 learned that French explorer and renowned Titanic expert Paul Henry Nargeolet, who has lived in Kent, CT, was among those trapped underwater.
He’s known as “PH” in town.
The ones who know him are hoping for a miracle.
“You know what, I do know the gentleman now that I think of it,” said Elise Cieplik of Kent.
Nargeolet lived on Spooner Hill Road for years.
“It’s just unfortunate he’s a nice man. It’s just unfortunate there’s no other words. If they don’t get him, it’s going to be a terrible loss,” Elise Cieplik said.
Nargeolet recently moved to New York, but he’s still a board member for the Kent Library Association.
Elise Cieplik’s husband Eric studies biology and oceanography. He is mesmerized by the horrific situation Nargeolet and the four passengers are in.
“It could’ve been anything. A leak in the hull could’ve been a problem with the people there in the sub. Could be anything,” Eric Cieplik said.
Nargeolet is an expert deep-sea diver and submersible pilot. He has led several Titanic expeditions.
“The size of the search area is the size of Connecticut. A lot of square miles. So that makes it tough,” said Eric Cieplik.
Cathy Frade is just a few houses from where Nargeolet lived in Kent.
“I feel bad for them that it’s not looking like they’re going to get back,” Frade said.
RMS Titanic Incorporated, where Nargeolet worked, isn’t giving up.
“Paul-Henry’s passion for Titanic and diving led him to complete 35 submersible dives. More than anyone, we trust his faith and experience will help navigate this critical situation,” the company said.
“It’s too bad I hope they get them and are able to find them,” said Elise Cieplik.
The Kent-Memorial Library’s director said: “We’re hoping for the best outcome for our friend.”
The search for the submersible has been staged from St. John’s Harbor in Newfoundland. Rescue boats were launched on Wednesday morning.
There was hope.
Investigators reported that they recently detected underwater noises every 30 minutes near the search area.
The vessel was said to have been on an expedition to the wreckage of the Titanic when it lost contact two hours into the journey.
Officials said that as of Wednesday morning, it had about a day’s worth of oxygen left.
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