24-6-2023 (OTTAWA) Canadian authorities announced on Friday (Jun 23) that they will initiate an investigation into the recent loss of the Titan submersible, along with the five individuals on board, during a dive to the Titanic wreckage.
The Canadian-flagged cargo vessel, Polar Prince, had towed the Titan out to sea last weekend. However, contact was lost approximately an hour and 45 minutes after the submersible was launched into the depths of the ocean.
The Canadian Transportation Safety Board, acting as the investigation authority for the support vessel, stated that it will conduct a safety investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding this operation.
According to the US Coast Guard, all five people on board the submersible tragically lost their lives as a result of a “catastrophic implosion” of the vessel.
A debris field was discovered on the seafloor, located 1,600 feet (500m) from the bow of the Titanic. This solemn discovery marked the conclusion of a multinational search-and-rescue operation that had captured global attention since the small tourist craft went missing in the North Atlantic four days prior.
The Transportation Safety Board routinely investigates accidents involving air, rail, marine, and pipeline transportation to enhance overall safety standards. It does not assign blame or determine civil or criminal liability.
The independent agency has deployed investigators to St John’s, Newfoundland, the departure point of the Polar Prince, to gather information, conduct interviews, and assess the incident.
“In the coming days, we will collaborate with other involved agencies to coordinate our activities,” the Transportation Safety Board stated in a released statement.
The majority ownership of the Polar Prince rests with the Miawpukek First Nation.
