NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Monday morning public hearings meant to piece together why a submersible set to explore the Titanic wreckage imploded and whether criminal charges are necessary have begun. The Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) will examine everything related to the loss of the Titan submersible, hearing from former employees of […]
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Monday morning public hearings meant to piece together why a submersible set to explore the Titanic wreckage imploded and whether criminal charges are necessary have begun.
The Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) will examine everything related to the loss of the Titan submersible, hearing from former employees of the company that created the vessel, OceanGate Expeditions, and providing a detailed report of what happened following the conclusion of the two-week hearing.
In addition, “We are charged to also detect misconduct or negligence by credentialed mariners, and if there’s any detection of a criminal act, then we will present our findings to the DOJ,” U.S. Coast Guard Chief of Office of Investigations, Jason Neubauer said.
Coast Guard documents say the Titan left to explore the Titanic wreckage on June 18, 2023. An hour and 45 minutes into its dive, the vessel lost contact with its support, POLAR PRINCE.
On June 22, pieces of the Titan were found about 500 meters from the bow of the Titanic. Coast Guard officials quickly confirmed the vessel had likely imploded and declared all five passengers dead.
Officials announced the hearing will begin with a general overview of the incident and a reanimation of the Titan’s voyage.
LIVE UPDATES:
8:30 a.m.
An OceanGate council will have the ability to cross examine witnesses, according to Neubauer. All witnesses are under oath and can face financial penalties.
8:36 a.m.
Marcela Muse with the National Transportation Safety Board provides opening statement. OceanGate representatives offer condolences on behalf of the company for loved ones loss in the Titan tragedy.
8:39 a.m.
Parties observe a moment of silence for those lost in the tragedy.
8:43 a.m.
Principal Components of the manned submersible Titan
8:44 a.m.
OceanGate was founded in 2009 by Stockton Rush, Guillermo Sohnlein and Sarah Schwitters.
In 2009, the company applied for a Coast Guard certification which is was unable to obtain due to sub-T regulations. The company did obtain an oceanic research research vessel designation and conducted dives.
8:48 a.m.
8:50 a.m.
TITAN PROTOTYPE HISTORY:
8:55 a.m.
Final hull before implosion:
8:59 a.m.
Launch and Recovery and expedition map:
9:00 a.m. – 9:04 a.m.
Titan expeditions to Titanic wreckage and incidents that occurred before implosion:
9:05 a.m.
2023 Titan expeditions before mission 5 implosion:
9:19 a.m.
Animation of Titan’s mission 5 trek and subsequent disaster by Gary T Mark USCG Auxiliary. The animation was dedicated to the memory of the five Titan passengers who perished.
9:30 a.m.
10-minute recess called before hearing from first witness, Mr. Tony Nissen, former OceanGate Engineering Director.
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