The vessel lacking close to the Titanic wreck is a submersible, not a submarine: Right here’s the distinction

The vessel that went lacking Sunday within the North Atlantic whereas exploring the Titanic’s wreckage is a submersible not a submarine, and there’s a key distinction.

The Titan, with 5 individuals on board, remained lacking Tuesday whilst a global search and rescue effort was underway.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains the distinction. A submarine has sufficient energy to depart port and are available again to port underneath its personal energy.

But a submersible has extra restricted energy and vary. It wants a mom ship from which launch, to return to, and for help and communications.