The hopes of finding the five individuals who were aboard the Titan submarine alive faded away yesterday with the discovery of scattered wreckage from the vessel that had been missing since Sunday. OceanGate, the company that owns the Titan submersible, had to come to terms with the tragic outcome. The breakthrough came when a remotely operated vehicle deployed to scour the ocean depths in search of the submarine found the landing gear frame and the rear section of the sub. Experts believe that the vehicle likely imploded instantly, shortly after losing contact, possibly due to structural failure caused by pressure or a malfunction. The US Coast Guard referred to a “catastrophic loss of pressure,” which is consistent with the discovery of the five debris pieces of the Titan submarine, located approximately 500 meters from the Titanic.
The news of the debris recovery shattered the remaining slim hopes of finding the vehicle and its passengers alive. The US Coast Guard’s tweet, issued around 11:55 local time, confirmed the discovery. Although the authorities refrained from making official statements or announcements, their few words hinted that there was no longer any hope for the five wealthy Titanic enthusiasts.
On the fourth day of frantic search efforts, the chances of rescuing the crew were already diminishing due to the frigid temperatures and likely depletion of oxygen in the vehicle. Nevertheless, the researchers, aided by favorable weather conditions, continued their relentless activities with increasing urgency. They were supported by specialized medical personnel and a hyperbaric chamber capable of accommodating six people, ready for use in the event of a discovery. US and Canadian coastguard authorities were joined by their counterparts from the United Kingdom, with London dispatching a military aircraft equipped for such operations.
Despite this extraordinary deployment of resources, it was futile in saving the lives of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, Frenchman Paul-Henry Nargeolet, and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman. The family of the British billionaire has directed their anger towards OceanGate, accusing the company of issuing a belated alarm. They firmly believe that prompt action could have made a significant difference in the outcome.
As investigations into the incident begin, questions arise about the safety measures in place and the timely response from OceanGate. The grieving families demand answers, seeking accountability for the tragic loss of their loved ones. It remains to be seen how the authorities and OceanGate will address these concerns and provide closure for the families affected by this devastating event.
READ ALSO: Titanic, Tourist Submarine Visiting Wreckage Goes Missing
