The US Coast Guard has confirmed that 'presumed human remains' have been found inside the recently recovered Titan debris.
After the wreckage of the submersible was recovered from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean last week, marine safety engineers for the US Coast Guard said they believe they have discovered the remains of some of those on board the vessel.
“Additional presumed human remains were carefully recovered from within Titan’s debris and transported for analysis by US medical professionals,” they said in a statement.
Advert
Several parts of the wreckage, found roughly 1,600 feet (488 meters) away from the Titanic, were also retrieved, including the 22-foot vessel’s intact titanium end cap, as per the New York Post.
The operation was the follow-up to an initial recovery and will most likely be the last salvage mission.
Officials will continue conducting evidence analysis and witness interviews before a public hearing regarding the tragedy.
Advert
The first salvage recovery mission was conducted in June, with photos and videos retrieved from the sub.
According to an expert, the footage supports the theory that the vessel's carbon-fiber hull led to its devastating implosion.
Jasper Graham-Jones, associate professor in Mechanical & Marine Engineering at Plymouth University, analysed the footage and photos taken before they were transported for further analysis.
Advert
Graham-Jones told Business Insider that while it is 'impossible' to explain why the vessel imploded, the 'most likely' scenario was that the sub gave way under the immense pressure of the ocean depths.
However, another theory suggests the vessel’s small front viewport first gave way.
According to Business Insider, David Lochridge, OceanGate's former director of marine operations, alleged in August 2018 court filings that OceanGate installed a front viewport which could only sustain in 4,200 feet (1,300 meters) - far shallower than the intended maximum depth of 13,000 feet (4,000 meters).
While it’s unclear what changed from 2018 to the 2023 mission, the front viewpoint was doomed from the start.
Advert
With the investigation underway, reports also say the sub had a 14 per cent success rate.
According to an unearthed company passenger waiver, the sub only reached the depth of the wreckage site only 13 out of 90 dives.
OceanGate has since gone out of business, and CEO Stockton Rush died in the implosion of the Titan.
Topics: News, World News, Science, Technology, Titanic