OceanGate, the company operating the Titanic research submersible, has issued a statement on June 22 regarding the fate of its passengers.
Tragically, after four days of being missing, OceanGate now believes that all five individuals on board have been lost.
The passengers include company CEO Stockton Rush, as well as Hamish Harding, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Shahzada Dawood, and his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood.
OceanGate expressed deep sorrow for the loss, highlighting the adventurous spirit and passion for ocean exploration that these individuals possessed.
The company extended condolences to the families of the five souls, acknowledging the profound impact they had on those around them.
Recognizing the immense challenge faced by their dedicated employees and the exhaustive rescue efforts, OceanGate expressed gratitude to the international community for their support and resources in the search mission.
The company appealed for privacy for the affected families during this difficult time.
On the same day, the Coast Guard reported that debris from the submersible had been discovered near the Titanic wreckage.
Officials confirmed that the debris, including an external part of the submersible, was found approximately 1,600 feet from the bow of the Titanic on the ocean floor.
Authorities stated that it is too early to determine the cause or timing of the incident and that further investigation of the debris field is needed for closure.
The search-and-rescue operation was launched after the submersible, named Titan, and its crew went missing on June 18 during an OceanGate Expeditions tour to explore the Titanic wreckage.
Prior to the discovery of the debris, there were concerns about the submersible’s oxygen supply, which was estimated to run out on the morning of June 22. The identities of the passengers on board were also confirmed.
