Human remains have been discovered among the wreckage of the Titan, the submersible that collapsed during its journey to the Titanic earlier this month, according to a report by the US Coast Guard on Wednesday.
Officials stated that the Coast Guard will transport the recovered evidence from the North Atlantic to a US port, where medical professionals will conduct a thorough analysis of the remains.
Jason Neubauer, a chair captain with the Marine Board of Investigation, emphasized the significance of the evidence in providing critical insights to investigators from various international jurisdictions regarding the cause of the tragedy. He also highlighted the need for further work to comprehend the factors that led to the catastrophic loss of the Titan and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
This news comes nearly a week after the authorities announced the discovery of the craft’s wreckage, which vanished while attempting to descend to the Titanic wreck located two miles below the surface. The Coast Guard had previously stated that the five crew members on board the submersible likely perished instantly in a “catastrophic implosion.”
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On Wednesday morning, fragments of the severely damaged craft, including large metal pieces resembling parts of the Titan’s white hull and landing skids designed for seabed contact, arrived in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. These pieces of evidence are expected to contribute to the investigation, shedding light on the craft’s experimental design, safety standards, and lack of certification.
Among the retrieved wreckage were twisted cables and other items likely involved in the mechanics of the 22ft (6.7-meter) submersible, which was launched from a ship on June 18 and lost contact with the surface one hour and 45 minutes later.
Retrieving the debris is a crucial aspect of the investigation to determine the cause of the incident. Industry experts had previously expressed concerns about the craft’s design and raised questions about the safety record of OceanGate, the US company responsible for operating the submersible.
Prior to the discovery of the wreckage on the ocean floor near the Titanic wreck site, the world had anxiously awaited news about the vessel. Millions of people tuned in to media coverage, hoping to learn if the submersible would be found before its oxygen supplies were depleted.
The Horizon Arctic, a Canadian ship, employed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to search the ocean floor near the Titanic wreck for remnants of the submersible. Pelagic Research Services, the company that owns the ROV and has offices in Massachusetts and New York, announced on Wednesday that its offshore operations were completed.
The team from Pelagic Research Services, which is still on the mission, stated that they are unable to comment on the Titan investigation due to their involvement with several government agencies in the US and Canada. The company expressed its appreciation for the team’s tireless efforts and their eagerness to conclude the mission and reunite with their loved ones.
During the search, the Coast Guard consulted with experts who believe that analyzing the physical materials of the recovered debris could unveil crucial clues about the fate of the Titan. Additionally, Carl Hartsfield from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution suggested the possibility of electronic data being present.
The National Transportation Safety Board has classified the loss of the Titan submersible as a “major marine casualty,” and the Coast Guard will spearhead the investigation.
Although OceanGate Expeditions, the company that owned and operated the Titan, is based in Everett, Washington, the submersible was registered in the Bahamas. The company ceased operations after the Titan’s discovery.
Meanwhile, the Polar Prince, the Titan’s mother ship, was from Canada, and the individuals who lost their lives hailed from England, Pakistan, France, and the US. The victims include OceanGate CEO and pilot Stockton Rush, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman from a prominent Pakistani family, British
