Crew Aboard Submersible ‘Titan’ Declared Dead Due to Catastrophic Implosion

Debris of the submersible ‘Titan’ that set out towards the ‘Titanic wreckage’ and went missing since Sunday has been found by a remote controlled vehicle (ROV). 

The debris was found 1,600 feet (488 meters) from the bow of the Titanic at the bottom of the Atlantic ocean. 

In a briefing on Thursday the US Coast Guard said that it was a “catastrophic implosion.”

Rear Adm John Mauger said that the debris are believed to be the Titan submersible. 

“We immediately notified the families”, he announced. 

“On behalf of the US Coast Guard and the entire unified command, I offer my deepest condolences.”, he said. 

British adventurer Harmish Harding, 58, Vice chairman of Dawood Hercules Corporation Limited Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son Suleman Dawood,19, French maritime expert Paul Henry Nargeolet, 77, Chief Executive and founder of Oceangate Stockton Rush, 61, were the passengers on ‘Titan.’

US, Canadian and French teams were involved in the search operations of the submersible that went missing on Sunday. 

OceanGate said it appreciated “their commitment to finding these five explorers, and their days and nights of tireless work in support of our crew and their families.”

The family of Harmish Harding described him as a “one of a kind” person. “He was a passionate explorer - whatever the terrain - who lived his life for his family, his business and for the next adventure,” the family said in a statement released by Harding’s company- Action Aviation. 

Mr Paul Henry Nargeolet’s family, in a tribute, spoke about his love for the Titanic. “But what we will remember him most for is his big heart, his incredible sense of humor and how much he loved his family”, they said. 

Dawood’s family said that they are “overwhelmed with the love and support that it has received and is grateful to those who showcased the best in humanity.”

Azmeh Dawood told NBC News that her nephew Suleman was "terrified" before going on the trip, but braved the journey because he was eager to please his father.”

OceanGate Expeditions that operated ‘Titan’ said in an official statement, “These men were true explorers who shared a distinct spirit of adventure, and a deep passion for exploring and protecting the world's oceans.”

“Our hearts are with these five souls and every member of their families during this tragic time. We grieve the loss of life and joy they brought to everyone they knew”, the statement further read.

Inputs: NDTV/ BBC