All five people, including two Pakistanis, aboard a submersible missing near the wreck of the Titanic died — likely in an instant — after their vessel suffered what the US Coast Guard said on Thursday was a “catastrophic implosion” in the ocean depths.
On board were British explorer Hamish Harding, French submarine expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani-British tycoon Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, and Stockton Rush, CEO of the sub’s operator OceanGate Expeditions.
This combination of pictures created on June 21 shows Titan submersible passengers (L-R, top to bottom) Hamish Harding, OceanGate Expeditions CEO and founder Stockton Rush, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Suleman Dawood and his father Shahzada Dawood. — AFP
The somber announcement ended a multinational search-and-rescue operation that captivated the world since the tiny tourist craft went missing in the North Atlantic four days ago.
Rear Admiral John Mauger told reporters in Boston that analysis showed debris found on the seafloor, 500 metres from the bow of the Titanic, was consistent with the implosion of the sub’s pressure chamber.
“On behalf of the United States Coast Guard and the entire unified command, I offer my deepest condolences to the families,” Mauger said.-AFP Courtesy
