29-6-2023 (ST JOHN’S) The US Coast Guard has announced the recovery of presumed human remains from the wreckage of the Titan submersible. This development follows the earlier retrieval of debris from the craft earlier today. It is believed that the submersible experienced a “catastrophic” implosion while attempting to explore the remains of the Titanic, resulting in the tragic deaths of five individuals, including three British citizens.
In an official statement, the US Coast Guard declared that “United States medical professionals will conduct a formal analysis of presumed human remains that have been carefully recovered within the wreckage at the site of the incident.” Captain Jason Neubauer, leading the investigation into this devastating event, expressed gratitude for the international and interagency support received in recovering and preserving crucial evidence under extreme offshore conditions.
The evidence recovered from the wreckage is expected to provide critical insights into the cause of the tragedy for investigators from various international jurisdictions. Captain Neubauer emphasized the substantial amount of work that lies ahead in comprehending the factors that led to the catastrophic loss of the Titan and in implementing measures to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
During a previous news conference held on Sunday, officials had mentioned that precautions were being taken during the debris recovery process, in case bodies were discovered on the seabed. The search and rescue operation, initiated on 18 June, commenced when the Titan lost communication with its mother ship, the Polar Prince, approximately one hour and forty-five minutes into its two-hour descent towards the Titanic wreckage. The vessel was reported missing eight hours after communication was lost. Unfortunately, the rescue mission concluded five days later when debris fragments were found approximately 487 meters away from the Titanic wreckage.
Among the victims of the tragedy were three British citizens: billionaire Hamish Harding, businessman Shahzada Dawood, and his 19-year-old son Suleman. Shahzada’s wife, speaking on Tuesday, described the pair as “best friends” who “belonged together.” Additionally, Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet and Stockton Rush, the chief executive of OceanGate, the company that owned the submersible, also lost their lives in the implosion.
New images captured on Wednesday depict the unloading of several pieces of metal debris from the ship Horizon Arctic at the Canadian Coast Guard pier in St John’s, Newfoundland. Notably, one image reveals a large, curved piece of white metal, while another fragment contains cables and various mechanical parts. The debris was carefully covered with large tarpaulin sheets and subsequently lifted away by cranes.
