The United States Coast Guard recently released a chilling image of the Titan submersible, showing the devastation of its catastrophic implosion, marking the first disclosure since the tragic event.
At the hearing in North Charleston, South Carolina, investigators noted that the tail cone and other debris were found several hundred yards from the Titanic.
The hearing, scheduled through September 27, opened with the Marine Board of Investigation presenting evidence found by a remotely operated vehicle on June 22 last year. They declared the image proof of a sudden, intense implosion due to deep-sea pressure.
The implosion claimed the lives of Stockton Rush, CEO of the operating company; businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son, Suleman; adventurer Hamish Harding; and French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet. DNA testing confirmed the remains found were those of the five men onboard, the board confirmed.
Monday’s session also included testimony from former employees of OceanGate, the firm that developed and operated the submersible. The submersible’s final communication, sent seconds before losing contact, was also disclosed. It stated, “Dropped two wts,” indicating an attempt to shed weights to the surface.
The hearing will cover various aspects, including historical events before the accident, regulatory compliance, crew duties and qualifications, mechanical and structural systems, emergency responses, and industry standards.
