In June 2023, five passengers died aboard the Titan, a submersible operated by Ocean Gate. During an expedition to view the remains of the Titanic, the ship was unable to surface safely. After four days of searching, authorities revealed that the submersible had imploded. More than a year after the disaster, Titan’s final message was revealed.
Read on to learn more about the Titan expedition, its final moments, and more.
What happened to Titan at Ocean Gate?
In June 2023, the Titan sank in the deep Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. One hour and 45 minutes after the voyage began, the Titan’s mother ship, the Polar Prince, lost contact with the vessel. When the Titan failed to surface, authorities became alert and began a search for the passengers.
On the fourth day of the search, a remotely operated submersible (ROV) found wreckage similar to the Titan on the ocean floor, about 500 metres from the Titanic.
Officials later said the Titan’s pressure hull imploded as it was sinking, and all five crew members were killed instantly, according to the U.S. Coast Guard and other officials.
The first photos of the wreckage of the Ocean Gate Titan submarine have been released. pic.twitter.com/f0Ud2pDPRt
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 17, 2024
In September 2024, Tim Catterson, a former Ocean Gate contractor, testified that there were “no red flags” on the day the submersible sank.
“Considering that it was two billionaires who were in the cab with Stockton at the time, I have no doubt he was trying to make sure this went as perfectly and precisely as possible,” Patterson said. ABC News“These are all theories that have been floating around among people who haven’t had any sleep and are very anxious. This is the worst thing that could happen.”
Who were the Titan’s passengers?
The five passengers on the Titan were British businessmen of Pakistani descent. Shahzada Dawood, His 19-year-old son, Suleiman DawoodBritish businessman Hamish HardingFormer French Navy Commander and Submarine Pilot Paul Henri Narjolet American submarine pilot and engineer Stockton Rush.
Titan’s final message
Titan’s final message was revealed in September 2024. According to ABC News, the message said, “All right, we’re OK,” and was received at an altitude of 7,000 feet (2,274 meters). photograph The remains of Titan at Ocean Gate were also opened to the public.