In a harrowing tale that echoes the tragic fate of the Titan submersible in 2023, the story of the Pisces III rescue from the depths of the ocean in 1973 provides a chilling reminder of the perils of underwater exploration. In both incidents, human lives were placed in jeopardy as they faced the unforgiving environment of the deep sea.
On August 29, 1973, engineers Roger Mallinson and Roger Chapman found themselves trapped 1,575 feet below the surface after a catastrophic accident caused their submersible, the Pisces III, to flip upside down and sink to the ocean floor. The vessel was initially tasked with laying transatlantic telephone cables for the US Postal Service, but a series of unfortunate events led to their dire situation. The hatch was accidentally opened while the Pisces III was being prepared for recovery, allowing water to flood in and flip the small submersible.
As the Pisces III descended, the two men faced not only the physical dangers of deep-sea pressure but also the psychological strain of their predicament. With limited oxygen supplies and no immediate way to communicate their location to rescuers, they entered a race against time. Fortunately, contact was established with the surface team shortly after sinking, allowing them to communicate their status and begin strategizing for a rescue that would prove to be fraught with challenges.
The search for the Pisces III was complicated by the loss of a buoy line that could have pinpointed its location. However, within 30 minutes, the surface team managed to reach Mallinson and Chapman via telephone. The men quickly understood that their survival depended on conserving oxygen, forcing them into a state of stillness and silence, reminiscent of the critical situation faced by the Titan’s crew several decades later.
As hours turned into days, the situation became increasingly desperate. With only a cheese sandwich and a can of lemonade between them, Mallinson and Chapman had to ration their meager food supply while relying on condensation from the walls of the submersible for hydration. They also employed a strategy to reduce carbon dioxide buildup, which further complicated their already dire circumstances.
Rescue efforts were hampered by technical difficulties and the unpredictable nature of the ocean. Several rescue submersibles were sent to locate and retrieve the Pisces III, but mechanical failures and miscommunications delayed their progress. Just as hope seemed to wane, a creative solution emerged: one of the crew members suggested that Chapman sing to help the sonar locate them. Remarkably, this unconventional approach paid off.
After multiple attempts, the rescue team finally located the Pisces III and successfully attached a recovery line. However, the operation was not without its own complications. As the submersible was being lifted, it became clear that improper attachment points could jeopardize the entire operation, risking both the vessel and the lives inside.
On September 1, 1973, after 84 hours and 30 minutes trapped in the dark, the Pisces III surfaced. However, the ordeal was not yet over; the hatch was jammed due to the impact with the ocean floor, and the clock was ticking on the remaining oxygen supply. In a nail-biting finale, the hatch was finally opened, and fresh air flooded in just moments before their oxygen ran out.
Both men emerged relatively unscathed, thanks to their resourcefulness and determination. Their experience forged an unbreakable bond, prompting Mallinson to reach out to Chapman every year on the anniversary of their rescue. Chapman later dedicated his life to submersible rescue efforts, establishing a company focused on improving the safety of underwater missions. Although Chapman passed away in 2020, Mallinson, now in his 80s, remains a living testament to the extraordinary rescue that stands as the deepest underwater rescue in history.
The saga of the Pisces III serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with deep-sea exploration and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
