Current:Home > reviewsOceanGate Suspends All Explorations 2 Weeks After Titanic Submersible implosion -Lighthouse Finance Hub
OceanGate Suspends All Explorations 2 Weeks After Titanic Submersible implosion
View
Date:2025-04-17 20:14:33
OceanGate's expeditions will not go on. For now, at least.
Two weeks after its Titan submersible imploded on a voyage to the Titanic wreckage, killing all five passengers on board, the company noted on its website July 6 that all exploration and commercial operations have been suspended.
On June 18, the 22-foot sub went missing nearly two hours after its descent off the coast of Newfoundland, causing a massive search—and a story that gripped the world's attention.
On board was the company's CEO Stockton Rush as well as British billionaire Hamish Harding, diver and Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood.
Shortly after the 96-hour deadline for available oxygen supply passed on June 22, OceanGate confirmed the entire crew had died.
"These men were true explorers who shared a distinct spirit of adventure, and a deep passion for exploring and protecting the world's oceans," the company said in a statement. "Our hearts are with these five souls and every member of their families during this tragic time. We grieve the loss of life and joy they brought to everyone they knew."
"This is an extremely sad time for our dedicated employees who are exhausted and grieving deeply over this loss," the message continued. "The entire OceanGate family is deeply grateful for the countless men and women from multiple organizations of the international community who expedited wide-ranging resources and have worked so very hard on this mission."
That afternoon, the Coast Guard discovered the tail cone of the Titan in the search area as well as large pieces of debris it described as "consistent with a catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber."
While officials have not yet determined what exactly caused the sub to implode, Titanic director James Cameron called out the flaw in the ship's carbon-fiber composite, noting it had "no strength in compression."
As he told the New York Times, deep sea explorations like this are "not what it's designed for."
Still, the celebrated diver struggled to wrap his mind around the eerie parallels between the Titanic and the Titan.
"For a very similar tragedy, where warnings went unheeded, to take place at the same exact site with all the diving that's going on all around the world, I think it's just astonishing," Cameron told ABC News. "It's really quite surreal."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (2781)
Related
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- A former DEA agent is convicted of protecting drug traffickers
- Here’s what has made Hurricane Milton so fierce and unusual
- Anderson Cooper Hit in the Head With Flying Debris Live on Air While Covering Hurricane Milton
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- BrucePac recalls nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat, poultry products for listeria
- Powerball winning numbers for October 9 drawing: Jackpot up to $336 million
- Soccer Star George Baldock Found Dead in Swimming Pool at 31
- Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
- Officials work to protect IV supplies in Florida after disruptions at North Carolina plant
Ranking
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Five (and Soon, Maybe Six) of the Country’s 10 Largest Coal Plants Have Retirement Dates
- When will Malik Nabers return? Latest injury updates on Giants WR
- NFL MVP race: Lamar Jackson's stock is rising, but he's chasing rookie Jayden Daniels
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: 16 players to start or sit in Week 6
- House Democrats in close races try to show they hear voter concerns about immigration
- Travis Barker Shares Sweet Shoutout to Son Landon Barker for 21st Birthday
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
When will Aaron Jones return? Latest injury updates on Vikings RB
A federal judge will hear more evidence on whether to reopen voter registration in Georgia
JoJo Siwa Details Surprising Girlfriend Dakayla Wilson With $30,000 Birthday Trip
Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
All of Broadway’s theater lights will dim for actor Gavin Creel after an outcry
New Orleans Saints to start rookie QB Spencer Rattler in place of injured Derek Carr
Kate Middleton Makes First Public Engagement With Prince William Since Finishing Chemotherapy