Titanic Submersible Search Ends, Passengers Dead After Explosion
- AP Photo
Atlantic Ocean – Five people who were on a submersible lost near the wreck of the Titanic have believed dead. The United States Coast Guard stated they probably died after the submersible exploded undersea.
It marks the end of the search operation and rescue that has captivated the world since the small tourist submersible went missing in the North Atlantic four days ago.
Rear Admiral Jon Mauger in Boston said that analysis showed debris was found on the seabed, 500 meters from the Titanic's bow. This is consistent with a submersible pressure chamber explosion.
"On behalf of the United States Coast Guard and the entire unified command, I extend my deepest condolences to the family," Mauger said.
On board were British explorer Hamish Harding, French submarine expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani-British mogul Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, and Stockton Rush, CEO of submarine operator OceanGate Expeditions.
"Our hearts are with these five souls and their family members, who are going through this tragic time," the expedition said.
"These men were true explorers who had a distinct spirit of adventure, and a deep passion for exploring and protecting the world's oceans," It said in a statement.
"We mourn the loss of life and the joy they brought to everyone they knew."
As information, the Coast Guard announced on Thursday morning, June 22, 2023, that underwater robots had found a "debris field" in the search area.