Titanic Submersible Search: Sadly, Crew Believed To Be Dead
At a 3 pm ET press conference, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that, sadly, all five passengers who were aboard the Titanic submersible are believed to be dead. The Coast Guard believes that the Titan submersible suffered a “catastrophic implosion.” Earlier this morning, it was reported that Titan debris was found about 1,600 feet from the Titanic wreck site in the Atlantic Ocean. In total, two different debris fields were found.
The size of the debris field was consistent with an implosion in the water column, according to the press conference. The cap, bubble structure, and pieces of the pressure capsule were among the pieces found in the debris field. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger stated, “This is an incredibly unforgiving environment down there on the sea floor and the debris is consistent with a catastrophic implosion of the vessel.”
In addition, the noises that were heard and reported yesterday were not believed to be connected to the implosion. “We had listening devices in the water throughout and did not hear any signs of catastrophic failure from those,” Mauger continued.
Officials are still working through the timeline of the events, and what the next steps will be. The U.S. Coast Guard concluded that no additional press conferences are scheduled at this time. They did say that updates will be posted to the USCG Northeast Twitter account as they become available.
Statement From OceanGate
OceanGate, who owned the Titan submersible, issued a statement that says, “These men were true explorers who shared a distinct spirit of adventure, and a deep passion for exploring and protecting the world’s oceans. Our hearts are with these five souls and every member of their families during this tragic time. We grieve the loss of life and joy they brought to everyone they knew.”
OceanGate’s CEO Stockton Rush was one of the five passengers, sadly lost in the Titan submarine search traveling to the Titanic.
Our heartfelt condolences to all of the families involved.