Canadian authorities initiate investigation into Titanic sub incident
In a devastating turn of events, Canadian authorities announced on Friday their decision to launch a comprehensive investigation into the recent loss of the Titan submersible. The ill-fated vessel, carrying five individuals, tragically perished during a dive to explore the wreckage of the Titanic.
The Canadian-flagged cargo vessel, Polar Prince, had taken the Titan out to sea last weekend. However, contact with the submersible was abruptly severed approximately one hour and forty-five minutes after its descent into the depths of the ocean.
The Canadian Transportation Safety Board, acting as the investigation authority for the support vessel, expressed its commitment to conducting a thorough safety investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this operation.
The United States Coast Guard confirmed on Thursday that the entire crew of the submersible had lost their lives due to a “catastrophic implosion” of the vessel. A debris field was discovered on the seafloor, located 1,600 feet (500 meters) from the bow of the Titanic.
The conclusion of an extensive multinational search-and-rescue mission, which had gripped the world’s attention, came with this solemn announcement. Over the course of four days, the small tourist craft had remained missing in the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic.
The Transportation Safety Board, renowned for its investigations into air, rail, marine, and pipeline accidents, endeavors to enhance transportation safety through its endeavors. However, it is important to note that the agency does not allocate blame or determine civil or criminal liability.
In a statement, the independent agency revealed that it had dispatched investigators to St. John’s, Newfoundland, the departure point of the Polar Prince, to collect pertinent information, conduct interviews, and evaluate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“In the forthcoming days, we will closely collaborate with other involved agencies,” the statement further affirmed.
It is worth noting that the majority ownership of the Polar Prince rests with the Miawpukek First Nation, a significant aspect of this tragic event.