The last communication from the Titan submersible crew was “all good here” before the vessel’s catastrophic implosion in June 2023, a hearing has revealed.
Moreover, this disclosure came as the US Coast Guard launched a two-week inquiry into the disaster, reported the BBC.
The Titan, en route to the Titanic wreck, imploded less than two hours into its dive, resulting in the deaths of all five onboard. The inquiry aims to uncover the incident’s facts and provide recommendations to prevent future tragedies.
In addition, this public phase of the investigation marks the start of a probe initiated 15 months ago, following an international search and rescue effort.
OceanGate, the submersible’s manufacturer, faces scrutiny over its design, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance. Testimonies from up to 10 former employees and marine safety experts are expected during the hearing.
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The Marine Board of Investigations (MBI) conducts high-level inquiries into US marine casualties and leads the investigation. MBI Chairman Jason Neubauer highlighted the importance of the hearing in understanding the tragedy and preventing similar incidents.
The inquiry revealed that the Titan’s communications with its mother ship, the Polar Prince, became increasingly unreliable before losing contact. Investigators also presented a historical review of the Titan, noting its hull had not undergone third-party testing and was exposed to harsh conditions during storage.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to provide answers and ensure safety in undersea exploration.
