Newly released Coast Guard footage shows wreckage of Titan submersible on ocean floor
Posted on 09/18/2024
The Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation has released new footage of the OceanGate Titan submersible over a year after its ill-fated voyage.
The video, obtained using a remotely operated vehicle, captured images of the Titan's tail cone resting on the ocean floor with outer panels ripped off, showing remains of the vessel's wiring.
A closer look shows remnants of wires, electronics, pressure gauges and other inner workings of the wreckage. Debris are scattered around the tail as well, and the "OceanGate" logo can still be seen printed on the side.
Titan details:5 people perished on OceanGate's doomed sub. Will we soon know why?
Watch: Titan submersible seen on ocean floor
The footage is being used as part of a two-week hearing led by the Coast Guard, which began Monday, to investigate the cause of the submersible's implosion and offer recommendations for any potential litigation. The hearing was set to include testimony from a list of 24 witnesses, including several former OceanGate employees.
In a statement released Monday, the company said, "OceanGate expresses our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in the tragic implosion of the Titan. There are no words to ease the loss endured by the families impacted by this devastating incident, but we hope that this hearing will help shed light on the cause of the tragedy."
Coast Guard hearing:Titan sub's haunting last message: 'All good here'
What happened to the OceanGate Titan submersible?
On June 18, 2023, five people boarded a submersible created by the company OceanGate to visit the Titanic wreckage site 12,500 feet underwater.
This was OceanGate Expeditions' third annual voyage to the site, and according to an archived itinerary of the mission, each passenger paid $250,000 to view the wreckage.
Aboard the submersible was British businessman Hamish Harding; Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, members of one of Pakistan's most prominent families; French explorer and Titanic expert Paul-Henry Nargeolet; and OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush.
The vessel was heavily scrutinized for its design, which was made of carbon fiber and titanium and measured about 9 feet high, 8 feet tall, and 22 feet wide. The craft was said to have been piloted with a video game controller.
The submersible was not up to the task and imploded on its way down to the ocean floor. Communication between the Titan and its mothership stopped about 90 minutes into the trip. It is assumed the destruction of the vessel happened soon after.
A massive rescue mission ensued. Ultimately, the Titan's debris was found in five large parts on the sea floor about 1,600 feet from the Titanic's bow and the passengers were declared officially lost on June 22. Some human remains were later recovered.
Contributing: Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY
The video, obtained using a remotely operated vehicle, captured images of the Titan's tail cone resting on the ocean floor with outer panels ripped off, showing remains of the vessel's wiring.
A closer look shows remnants of wires, electronics, pressure gauges and other inner workings of the wreckage. Debris are scattered around the tail as well, and the "OceanGate" logo can still be seen printed on the side.
Titan details:5 people perished on OceanGate's doomed sub. Will we soon know why?
Watch: Titan submersible seen on ocean floor
The footage is being used as part of a two-week hearing led by the Coast Guard, which began Monday, to investigate the cause of the submersible's implosion and offer recommendations for any potential litigation. The hearing was set to include testimony from a list of 24 witnesses, including several former OceanGate employees.
In a statement released Monday, the company said, "OceanGate expresses our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in the tragic implosion of the Titan. There are no words to ease the loss endured by the families impacted by this devastating incident, but we hope that this hearing will help shed light on the cause of the tragedy."
Coast Guard hearing:Titan sub's haunting last message: 'All good here'
What happened to the OceanGate Titan submersible?
On June 18, 2023, five people boarded a submersible created by the company OceanGate to visit the Titanic wreckage site 12,500 feet underwater.
This was OceanGate Expeditions' third annual voyage to the site, and according to an archived itinerary of the mission, each passenger paid $250,000 to view the wreckage.
Aboard the submersible was British businessman Hamish Harding; Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, members of one of Pakistan's most prominent families; French explorer and Titanic expert Paul-Henry Nargeolet; and OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush.
The vessel was heavily scrutinized for its design, which was made of carbon fiber and titanium and measured about 9 feet high, 8 feet tall, and 22 feet wide. The craft was said to have been piloted with a video game controller.
The submersible was not up to the task and imploded on its way down to the ocean floor. Communication between the Titan and its mothership stopped about 90 minutes into the trip. It is assumed the destruction of the vessel happened soon after.
A massive rescue mission ensued. Ultimately, the Titan's debris was found in five large parts on the sea floor about 1,600 feet from the Titanic's bow and the passengers were declared officially lost on June 22. Some human remains were later recovered.
Contributing: Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY
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