UPDATE: Pieces of lost mini-sub found by Titanic wreck, everyone on board presumed dead

In a sorrowful and definitive update regarding the missing OceanGate Titan submersible, the Coast Guard has confirmed that the debris found earlier today is consistent with the “catastrophic loss” of the submersible’s pressure chamber. This implies that the submersible was destroyed.

The Coast Guard announced in a press statement that the five passengers aboard the submersible “have sadly been lost,” and their families were informed immediately. The Coast Guard expressed their “heartfelt condolences” to the grieving families.

The passengers who lost their lives in this tragic incident were British businessman Hamish Harding, OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, French explorer Paul-Henry Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, and his teenage son Sulaiman.

Earlier today, the Coast Guard verified that they discovered a field of debris on the ocean floor close to the wreck of the RMS Titanic, which was the intended destination of the submersible. Rear Admiral John Mauger informed the media that a remotely operated vehicle from Horizon Arctic found the tail cone of the Titan submersible, located about 1,600 feet away from the bow of the Titanic.

Before the press conference took place, OceanGate released an official statement confirming that the five passengers on board the submersible have “sadly been lost.” This tragic discovery brings a somber conclusion to the search for the missing OceanGate Titan and its passengers.

In a statement reported by the BBC, OceanGate said, “These men were true explorers who shared a distinct spirit of adventure, and a deep passion for exploring and protecting the world’s oceans. Our hearts are with these five souls and every member of their families during this tragic time. We grieve the loss of life and joy they brought to everyone they knew.”

OceanGate also acknowledged the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on their employees, stating, “This is an extremely sad time for our dedicated employees who are exhausted and grieving deeply over this loss.” They expressed gratitude to the numerous individuals and organizations from the international community who dedicated their efforts and resources in the search mission.

It’s important to note that the passengers had paid $250,000 each for what was planned to be an eight-day expedition to the RMS Titanic wreck. There had been earlier concerns regarding the safety of the operation.

The submersible was reported missing on Sunday when it ceased communication and did not resurface as expected. The details surrounding its disappearance remain murky. With the submersible having only 96 hours of oxygen supply, an emergency search-and-rescue operation was quickly launched.

It was estimated that the oxygen supply would have been depleted by this morning if the submersible was still operational. There were reports of a crew hearing banging noises every 30 minutes in the vicinity where the submersible disappeared, but the Coast Guard stated that these noises were not related to the discovery.

Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those who were on board the Titan. While this is a heartbreaking development, it is hoped that it will bring some closure to the loved ones of the victims.

May the souls of all the passengers involved rest in peace.