TITANIC
What did the US Coast Guard say about the catastrophic implosion at the press conference?
The US Coast Guard had reported earlier today that a ‘debris field’ had been found near the Titanic. The BBC is reporting that “a landing frame and rear cover from the submersible” are part of the debris found on the sea floor.
Rear Adm. John Mauger, the First Coast Guard District commander explained at the presse conference the findings from the Horizon Arctic’s ROV on the seafloor near the Titanic. The US Coast Guard has confirmed that a catastrophic implosion had taken place, but could not confirm specifically when it happened. Mauger said the debris was consistent with the catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber.
Condolences to the families
There were five people onboard the Titan and Mauger addressed the love ones at the press conference, “I offer my deepest condolences to the family. I hope this discovery provides some solace during this difficult time.” He went on to mention that they had been in constant contact with the British government as three of the deceased were British nationals.
Mauger explained the difficulties of locating the debris, but also the communication with the different governments involved in the search and in the interest of the press and families from the three countries the passengers were from, the UK, the US and France
- Shahzada Dawood: Aged 48, Shahzada is a trustee of the SETI Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to research on life and intelligence in the universe.
- Suleman Dawood: 19 years old, son of Shahzada Dawood and student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
- Stockton Rush: 61-year-old CEO of the company that organised the experience, Ocean Gate.
- Paul-Henry Nargeolet: 73 years old from France. Retired from the French Navy with the rank of commander.
- Hamish Harding: 58-year old British adventurer. The businessman and aviator was the president of Action Aviation, a company headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. It specialises in the sale and purchase of aircraft.
More questions to be answered later
Mauger said the ROVs will continue on the scene to gather information as many questions still need to be answered.
The remains of the Titan were found on the seafloor near the resting place of the Titanic. The OceanGate submersible had gone missing on Sunday, June 18 when the support ship lost the signal 1 hour and 45 minutes after the vessel began its descent.
Several countries were involved in the rescue operation, including the United States, Canada, and France. C-17 transport planes were mobilized for the search along with other ships and an aquatic drone capable of showing objects at 20,000 feet underwater