Topline
Researchers on Thursday discovered a debris field near the site of the R.M.S. Titanic that Coast Guard officials determined were external parts of OceanGate’s missing submersible, as the search for the vessel and its five passengers reaches a critical period. [UPDATE: OceanGate says the sub’s passengers have “sadly been lost,” and the Coast Guard believes the sub faced a “catastrophic event.”]
The logo for OceanGate Expeditions is seen on a boat parked near the offices of the company on June ... [+]
Key Facts
A remotely operated vehicle discovered the debris field near the wreck, roughly 900 miles east of Cape Cod in a remote section of the Atlantic, the U.S. Coast Guard Northeast announced, as rescue teams from the U.S., Canada and France frantically search for the sub, which lost contact with its mother ship on Sunday.
The Coast Guard determined the debris contained the submersible’s “external body,” which was found Thursday morning just over 1,600 feet from the Titanic’s bow, according to a memo obtained by CNN.
David Mearns, an undersea explorer, also told the BBC the debris includes the submersible’s landing frame and rear cover, though the Coast Guard has not confirmed the contents of the debris field.
The Coast Guard said earlier Thursday researchers are evaluating the discovery, as rescue efforts enter their fifth day, and as industry professionals express concern over the safety of the submersible, which went missing nearly two hours into its descent nearly 13,000 feet to the bottom of the sea.
News Peg
The five passengers aboard the Titan submersible are believed to have run out of usable oxygen Thursday morning, marking a critical period in the search as rescue teams work against the clock to find the missing vessel. The submersible—which is operated by a single button and has raised eyebrows from industry professionals and one physicist over its safety—had roughly 96 hours worth of oxygen, though other scientists believe the passengers could conserve the fleeting supply by staying still and avoiding big breaths. A Canadian military plane had also detected what appeared to be a knocking sound in regular intervals in the area on Wednesday, though it remains unclear how long the knocking lasted.
What To Watch For
U.S. Coast Guard District Northeast Commander John Mauger is set to speak at a press conference Thursday afternoon.
Further Reading
Titanic Sub Hits Critical 96-Hour Mark When Experts Say Oxygen May Run Out (Forbes)
Titanic Sub: Physicist Calls For End To Titanic Tourism (Forbes)
