Two Ocean-Tech Companies Compete in Race to Find Amelia Earhart’s Wreckage

Introduction

Two ocean-tech companies are locked in a multimillion-dollar race to locate the wreckage of Amelia Earhart's ill-fated final flight. Deep Sea Vision and Nauticos are both vying to solve one of the world's most enduring mysteries and solidify their place in history. While Deep Sea Vision claims to have found the crash site using sonar scans, Nauticos casts doubt on the accuracy of these findings. With millions of dollars invested in the search, the competition is fierce.

The Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

In 1937, Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan disappeared while attempting to fly around the world. Their plane went missing over the Pacific Ocean near Howland Island. Despite being declared dead in 1939, the unsolved disappearance has given rise to numerous conspiracy theories. The allure of solving this mystery has attracted deep-pocketed American investors who are eager to uncover the truth.

The Discovery by Deep Sea Vision

Last month, Deep Sea Vision, a South Carolina marine-robotics company founded by Tony Romeo, captured an image using sonar that they believe reveals the crash site of Earhart's distinctive plane. Romeo, a former US Air Force intelligence officer and pilot, has invested $11 million in the project. He created Deep Sea Vision to fund the search for Earhart's wreckage. However, the next step of confirming the discovery requires further investigation and involvement from various stakeholders.

Nauticos' Skepticism

Nauticos, a competing ocean-tech company known for its involvement in discovering the sunken Japanese submarine I-52, has spent years searching for Earhart's Lockheed Electra 10E. Despite conducting extensive searches, Nauticos casts doubt on the accuracy of Deep Sea Vision's findings. They argue that the sonar target does not match the dimensions and characteristics of Earhart's plane. Previous discoveries in the area have turned out to be unrelated to Earhart's disappearance, further fueling skepticism.

Radio Analysis and Fuel Endurance

Nauticos has conducted in-depth studies and analysis to determine the possible location of Earhart's crash site. They have painstakingly re-created her radio system, which played a crucial role in analyzing the strength and distance of her final radio signals. Nauticos concluded that Earhart likely ran out of fuel shortly after her last transmission. They believe that the crash site targeted by Deep Sea Vision is unlikely because it is too far from the visible range of the Coast Guard cutter Itasca, where her signals could be received.

A Shared Mission?

Although there have been discussions about combining resources and forming a partnership, neither Deep Sea Vision nor Nauticos has agreed to join forces. Romeo reached out to Nauticos during his recent voyage, offering to conduct scans in areas of interest. However, Nauticos insisted on a formal contract to protect their intellectual property. While there may not be a partnership, the shared mission to find Earhart's wreckage remains.

The Cost of the Search

Each expedition to search for Earhart's wreckage comes at a significant cost. The expenses include equipment fees, hiring expert navigators, engineers, and sonar operators. Romeo, a former real-estate investor, sold commercial properties to raise $11 million for Deep Sea Vision's search. Nauticos has spent approximately $13 million on its initial voyages. To fund future expeditions, Nauticos plans to launch a new round of fundraising.

A Museum-Worthy Discovery

While Deep Sea Vision and Nauticos compete to find Earhart's long-lost plane, they both agree that, if discovered, it belongs in a museum. The historical significance of the wreckage is undeniable, and both companies want the world to have the opportunity to see it.

Conclusion

The race to find Amelia Earhart's wreckage continues, with Deep Sea Vision and Nauticos locked in fierce competition. Their efforts to solve one of history's greatest mysteries have attracted significant investments and attention. While Deep Sea Vision claims to have found the crash site, Nauticos remains skeptical. Only time will tell who will ultimately succeed in unraveling the secrets of Amelia Earhart's final flight.

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By: ktangalakislippert@businessinsider.com (Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert)
Title: Two Ocean-Tech Companies Compete in Race to Find Amelia Earhart’s Wreckage
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/deep-sea-vision-vs-nauticos-amelia-earhart-wreckage-2024-2
Published Date: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 23:18:51 +0000