United States: The US Coast Guard has initiated a thorough investigation into the recent underwater implosion that resulted in the complete destruction of the small submersible Titan. Tragically, all five individuals on board lost their lives during a dive into the famous Titanic wreck in the North Atlantic. This devastating incident has garnered significant global attention.
In response to this catastrophe, the Coast Guard has established a marine board of investigation (MBI), representing its highest level of inquiry. The primary objective of this probe, led by Mr. Jason Neubauer, the Coast Guard’s chief investigator, is to prevent any similar occurrences in the maritime domain worldwide. Neubauer emphasized the importance of making necessary recommendations to enhance maritime safety during a press conference held in Boston.
The initial phase of the MBI involves collecting evidence, including salvaging debris from the incident site. The US investigation may also consider recommendations for potential civil or criminal sanctions, as deemed necessary. Canada, which assisted in the search efforts for the submersible, has commenced its own inquiry into the incident.
The ill-fated Titan was reported missing last Sunday, and on Thursday, the Coast Guard confirmed the devastating news that all individuals on board had perished due to a catastrophic implosion. A debris field was discovered on the seafloor approximately 1,600 feet (500 meters) away from the Titanic’s bow. The wreckage of the Titanic itself rests over two miles (nearly four kilometers) beneath the ocean’s surface, approximately 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada.
The Canadian-flagged Polar Prince cargo vessel had towed the Titan out to sea the previous weekend but lost contact with it around an hour and 45 minutes after the submersible embarked on its journey into the ocean’s depths.
This announcement marked the conclusion of a multinational search-and-rescue operation that captured worldwide attention since the tourist craft went missing. As the investigations unfold, the focus remains on comprehending the causes behind this devastating incident and implementing measures to enhance maritime safety globally.