US Navy detected likely 'catastrophic implosion' of Titan sub within hours of it going missing
The US Navy heard what they suspect was the Titan submersible implosion hours after the vessel began its voyage
Reuters
The US Navy heard what they suspect was the Titan submersible implosion hours after the vessel began its voyage, officials close to the search have said.
Five people died in the tragedy near the Titanic wreck, which sits at around 3,800m (12,500ft) below sea level at the bottom of the ocean.
Following the disappearance of the sub on Sunday, a top secret military acoustic detection system heard what they believe was the sound of an implosion near the debris site discovered Thursday.
The Navy began listening for the Titan shortly after the sub lost contact, according to a US Defense official.
Following the disappearance of the sub on Sunday, a top secret military acoustic detection system heard what they believe was the sound of an implosion
Ocean GateWhile the official said the sound was "not definitive", the navy said it shared the information "immediately" with the incident commander.
A navy statement said: "This information was considered with the compilation of additional acoustic data provided by other partners and the decision was made to continue our mission as a search and rescue and make every effort to save the lives on board."
Several pieces of debris from the Titan, including the nose cone, were found approximately 1,600 feet from the bow of the Titanic on the sea floor.
The Navy asked that the specific system which was used, not to be named citing national security concerns, but the device is normally used to detect enemy submarines.
Titanic film director and deep-sea expert, who has made over 30 dives to the Titanic wreckage, James Cameron said he was told Monday the noise of a likely implosion of the sub had been registered by underwater acoustic devices.
He said it did not surprise him, because he felt the carbon fiber hull of OceanGate Expedition's sub, named Titan, was fundamentally unsuitable.
Remote operated vehicles will continue to search the Atlantic Ocean over the next 48 hours.
The US coastguard suggested that the bodies of the five passengers onboard may never be recovered from the Atlantic Ocean.
Several pieces of debris from the Titan, including the nose cone, were found approximately 1,600 feet
Reuters
Rear Admiral John Mauger said: "This is an incredibly unforgiving environment out there on the sea floor.
"The debris is consistent with the catastrophic implosion of the vessel.
"We will continue to work and search the area down there but I don’t have an answer on prospects at this time."
He added: "This is an incredibly complex operating environment on the sea floor over two miles beneath the surface."