(C) Common Dreams
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Money Can Buy a Visit to Space or the Deep Sea, but It Can’t Guarantee Safety [1]
['Christine Chung', 'More About Christine Chung']
Date: 2023-06-23
Mountaineers have long climbed atop Mount Everest, and scientists in submersibles have descended into the Antarctic Ocean. In recent decades, travelers with deep pockets and little expertise have joined these explorers or even ventured further, paying to visit the bottom of the ocean or the edge of space, touching the literal bounds of Earth. But as the deaths of five people aboard the Titan submersible make evident, there are no clear safeguards in place when something goes wrong.
The tragedy this week spotlighted the issues around rescue operations and government oversight in this new world of extreme travel — who is responsible for search and rescue, and who pays for it? Is it even possible to purchase insurance against catastrophe? It also raises questions about when risk is too great and dangers too immense for rescue.
This all comes at a time when an increasing number of thrill seekers are undertaking risky — and riskier — adventures and expeditions.
“People want these experiences, and they’re going to continue to want them and be willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money for them,” said Anthony Berklich, a travel adviser and founder of the luxury travel service Inspired Citizen.
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[1] Url:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/23/travel/titan-sub-oceangate-adventure-travel.html#:~:text=Three%20countries%20deployed%20at%20least,millions%20of%20dollars%2C%20at%20least.
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