Utah Man and Company Aid in Titanic Discovery
A unique connection to the Titanic tragedy exists in Utah, where a local company played a vital role in the shipwreck’s discovery. In 1985, a mission involving advanced technology led to the locating of the Titanic, which rests over 12,000 feet below the Atlantic Ocean’s surface.
Brent Miller and the Search for the Titanic
Brent Miller, an engineer at Colmek Systems Engineering, was pivotal in the Titanic discovery. The company, founded in the mid-1970s alongside Tom Hilton, specialized in telemetry systems for deep ocean mining.
Funding for their involvement came from a wealthy Texan in 1980. Miller and Hilton utilized their long-range telemetry systems to conduct underwater explorations. Initially, their efforts did not yield results. They discovered several promising targets, but none matched the Titanic.
The 1985 Expedition
In 1985, a second attempt to locate the Titanic, partnered with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, confirmed its whereabouts. Although Miller did not participate in this dive, his previous work contributed significantly to the mission’s success.
Miller’s contributions included developing advanced telemetry systems allowing video transmission over 20,000 feet of underwater cable. The submersible Alvin, enhanced by these innovations, utilized a smaller remote-operated vehicle (ROV) called Jason Junior, which explored the wreck site.
Ethics and Memories from the Depths
During the expedition, Miller chose not to take any artifacts from the Titanic, considering it a gravesite. Reflecting on the experience, he stated, “It was really humbling to talk to these people and realize the significance of what we found.” He and his partner later met Titanic survivors, deepening their appreciation for the tragedy’s impact.
The Legacy of Colmek Systems Engineering
Colmek Systems Engineering eventually evolved into Coda Octopus Engineering. Its current CEO, Jim Balent, expressed pride in the company’s legacy. He noted that their systems continue to be essential in various Navy and aircraft applications, along with advancements in ground robotics.
As part of their ongoing commitment to exploration, Coda Octopus Engineering aims to integrate technology, bringing valuable stories and information from the ocean’s depths to the surface.
