US Coast Guard launches investigation into loss of Titan submersible

The deep-sea craft suffered a catastrophic implosion while descending to see Titanic wreckage

The Titan was launched from the Polar Prince support vessel. AP

The US Coast Guard has officially wrapped up its search and recovery efforts in the North Atlantic for the Titan submersible that went missing last Sunday.

A marine board investigation will now hope to better understand what caused the van-sized Titan to suffer a catastrophic implosion, which killed all five people on board.

“The discovery of the Titan submersible wreckage marked the conclusion of the search and rescue aspect of this incident and the Coast Guard has officially convened a Marine Board of Investigation into the loss of the submersible and the five people on board,” Coast Guard Admiral John Mauger told a news conference.

Debris from the submersible was found on Thursday less than 500 metres from the wreck of the Titanic at a depth of 3,800 metres.

The Titanic site is about 1,450km east of Cape Cod and 644km south of St John's, Newfoundland.

The Titan was first reported missing last Sunday evening, prompting a massive international search and rescue operation spearheaded by the US Coast Guard.

The search for the Titan gripped the world, with news outlets providing near constant coverage.

The US Coast Guard devoted significant resources to the operation including 11 surface vessels, five subsurface vehicles and four planes, which completed 39 sorties, and covered over 33,0000 square kilometres, said Admiral Mauger, who led the operation.

The investigation has already begun at the site of the wreckage.

“The MBI (Marine Board Investigation) is currently in its initial evidence collection phase, including debris salvage operations at the incident site and evidence collection in co-ordination with Canadian authorities in the port of St John's, Newfoundland,” said Captain Jason Neubar, who is leading the investigation.

While the board itself cannot file charges, it can recommend to the relevant authorities to pursue “civil or criminal sanctions” if it deems it necessary.

The pilot of a Royal Canadian Air Force maritime surveillance aircraft flies over the Atlantic during the search for the missing OceanGate submersible. Reuters

A Royal Canadian Air Force serviceman drops sonar buoys from a surveillance aircraft. Reuters

Capt Jamie Frederick of the US coastguard speaks to reporters about the search for the submersible, during a press conference in Boston, Massachusetts. AFP

Carl Hartsfield, director and senior programme manager Oceanographic Systems Laboratory, faces reporters as Royal Navy Lt Cdr Rich Kantharia, left, and Capt Frederick look on during the news conference. AP

Inside the submersible vessel Titan on a previous dive. The vessel is used to visit the wreckage site of the Titanic. PA

Titan went missing on a dive to the Titanic wreck site this week. PA

Businessman Shahzada Dawood, the vice-chairman of Karachi conglomerate Engro, and his son Suleman are on board the missing sub. AFP

Paul-Henri Nargeolet, French explorer and director of a company that owns the rights to the Titanic wreck, is on board the submarine. Reuters

The Titan submersible was taking five people to view the wreck of the Titanic when it went missing. AP

UAE-based British space explorer Hamish Harding posted this image of himself in Canada a day before the expedition. Photo: Instagram

Mr Harding, a businessman, receives his Blue Origin astronaut pin after a successful flight to space in June 2022. AP

The submersible usually carries a pilot, three paying guests and a 'content expert'. It has enough oxygen for up to 96 hours. AP

The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, killing more than 1,500 of the 2,200 passengers on board. Getty

The wreck, which was located in 1985, sits 3,800 metres at the bottom of the Atlantic, about 600km off Newfoundland. AFP