The US Coast Guard recently announced the discovery of potential human remains and wreckage from the Titan submersible, which had been exploring the Titanic wreckage. These recovered remains will undergo a thorough analysis by medical professionals to gain further insights.
OceanGate, the operator of the submersible, encountered difficulties during its dive, lost contact with its carrier ship and failed to resurface as planned. Despite extensive search efforts, the US Coast Guard eventually ceased search and rescue operations. However, a recent breakthrough occurred when a debris field was found within the designated search area. Consequently, efforts are now underway to recover and examine the debris, aiming to determine the underlying cause of the submersible’s failure.
To facilitate the recovery process, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named Odysseus 6K has been deployed. This specialized vehicle has conducted multiple dives, successfully retrieving pieces of debris and transporting them back to land.
Photographs taken at the scene illustrate the retrieval of panel-like fragments, though specific details regarding the nature of the recovered parts have not been disclosed. The dedicated crew members have been diligently working at the deep-sea site for an extensive period of ten days, highlighting their unwavering commitment to investigating the incident and uncovering the root cause behind the submersible’s mishap.
In response to this significant event, the US Coast Guard has initiated a comprehensive inquiry known as the Marine Board of Investigation. Additionally, authorities in Canada are considering the possibility of launching their own criminal investigation. Expert opinions have started to emerge, suggesting that the incorporation of carbon fiber in the submersible’s construction could have played a pivotal role in the incident.
Reports indicate that OceanGate secured a discounted supply of carbon fiber from Boeing, albeit past its recommended shelf life for aviation applications. The submersible’s construction process, which adhered to a tight deadline, bypassed suggestions for expert testing and regulatory assessments.
The combination of Titanium and carbon fiber was employed in constructing the submersible, raising concerns that the junction between these materials might have allowed water penetration. Even a minute crack at significant depths could trigger a catastrophic sequence of events, potentially leaving the occupants unaware of the imminent danger until it was too late.
The ongoing investigations are anticipated to span several months, as they endeavor to unravel the series of events that transpired during this unfortunate incident.
