Arnie Weissman, editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly – sister title of Travel Weekly Asia under the Northstar Travel Group – had joined an OceanGate Expeditions mission to the Titanic wreck in May, a month before its submersible, the Titan, disappeared on a similar itinerary.

Arnie's three-part article series chronicles his journey as he prepared to join an OceanGate Expeditions mission to explore the depths of the Titanic wreck.

Part 1: Preparing to dive

Before heading to the wreck site on May 20, 2023, the OceanGate crew secures the Titan sub and its launch and recovery platform in St. John’s, Newfoundland. OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, now missing on the Titan submersible, is in the black scuba diving suit. Photo Credit: Arnie Weissman

“Where to begin?” Arnie mused. “I know three of the five people on the missing submersible Titan.”

In Part 1, Arnie recounts the anticipation building up to the dive and introduces the key individuals involved, including British billionaire and explorer Hamish Harding, OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, and renowned wreck explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet. However, despite their initial plans and Arnie's own aspirations, the inclement weather prevented any successful dives during his time on the mission.

Read:Mission Titanic, Part 1: Preparing to dive

Part 2: Delays and an unsettling statement from the OceanGate CEO

Stephen, a member of the Royal Australian Navy (left) and travel advisor Craig Curran of DePrez Travel Bureau sign the OceanGate Mission 2 flag. Photo Credit: Arnie Weissman

Part 2 continues Arnie's narrative, highlighting the delays and setbacks he experienced while waiting for an opportunity to dive. Arnie immerses himself in the operational details of the mission, describing the meticulous preparations, safety protocols, and camaraderie among the crew and mission specialists.

“Despite the long task list, I was impressed with the transparency of the operation – mission specialists like me were not simply encouraged to go to these meetings. We were required to attend,” Arnie wrote.

He also delves into his interactions with Stockton Rush, gaining insights into Rush's leadership style and the challenges faced by the team. Still, the elusive dive remains out of reach as Arnie's optimism wavers.

Read:Mission Titanic, Part 2: Delays and an unsettling statement from the OceanGate CEO

Part 3: Trouble ahead, trouble behind

The front of the platform holding the submersible Titan went underwater for unknown reasons during an OceanGate Expedition mission last month. A crew, including OceanGate's CEO, Stockton Rush, prepared to dive under it to raise it. Photo Credit: Arnie Weissman

In Part 3, Arnie reflects on the risks inherent in diving to such depths and the careful precautions taken by the OceanGate team. He discusses the impact of weather conditions, platform issues, and the ever-present danger of the underwater environment. Arnie reveals a harrowing incident involving the submersible's platform, underscoring the challenges faced by the crew. Despite the setbacks, Arnie maintains hope for a successful dive and draws inspiration from the experience and expertise of Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

However, the series takes a tragic turn as news breaks of the missing Titan submarine. Arnie's personal connection to the story intensifies as he recounts his interactions with the individuals on board, their shared experiences, and the dedication they exhibited in their pursuit of exploration. The discovery of a piece of the Titan on the ocean floor suggests a catastrophic implosion, leaving no hope for the survival of the crew. Arnie's reflections on his own failed attempts at diving now pale in comparison to the devastating loss of those he had come to know during his time on the mission.

“As I began writing this series, it was thought that the life support systems for Harding, Rush, Nargeolet and two other mission specialists were running critically low, but there was still some hope,” Arnie reflected.

“But as I finish this, search and rescue robots discovered a piece of the Titan on the ocean floor, indicating a catastrophic implosion and the loss of five lives, including three dedicated explorers I had come to know.”