Image released by the US Coast Guard as they search for the Titan submersible. Photograph: US Coast Guard.

The U.S. Coast Guard is emphasizing that the search for a missing submersible off the coast of Newfoundland remains a critical search and rescue mission, despite concerns about the diminishing oxygen supplies for the five passengers on board.

During a press conference held on Wednesday afternoon, the Coast Guard announced that they have significantly expanded the search area. The surface search now encompasses an area two times the size of Connecticut, while the underwater search area extends to a depth of two and a half miles.

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. James Frederick stated that the current focus of the search is an area where Canadian aircraft detected underwater noises. A team of Navy experts is diligently analyzing these noises to determine their origin, whether they are biological or man-made.

The initial report of underwater noises came from a Canadian aircraft that was conducting a search for the missing Titan submersible. These noises were detected in the vicinity of the location where the crew had been exploring the wreck site of the Titanic ocean liner.

According to reports, the crew searching for the submersible heard noises at regular intervals of 30 minutes, followed by another occurrence four hours later after deploying additional sonar devices. The Coast Guard did not confirm the specific interval but reiterated that the noises are undergoing thorough analysis and are being used to inform the ongoing search efforts.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard reiterated their commitment to continue collaborating closely with Navy experts for further analysis. They clarified that they have not made any official statements regarding underwater “banging or tapping,” contrary to some reports.

“This is an extremely intricate search operation, and our unified team is working tirelessly around the clock to utilize all available expertise and resources to resolve this complex problem as swiftly as possible,” emphasized Frederick.

The search for the missing submersible off the coast of Newfoundland remains of utmost importance, and the Coast Guard, alongside its partners, is fully dedicated to finding a resolution. The significant expansion of the search area and the meticulous analysis of the detected underwater noises demonstrate the comprehensive and relentless nature of the search and rescue efforts.