The Titan disaster investigation has begun. An expert explains what might happen next

The vessel experienced a catastrophic implosion at some point during its journey, with all five passengers presumed dead.

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The ConversationThe Conversation
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https://theconversation.com/the-titan-disaster-investigation-has-begun-an-expert-explains-what-might-happen-next-208464https://theconversation.com/the-titan-disaster-investigation-has-begun-an-expert-explains-what-might-happen-next-208464
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Mardi, juin 27, 2023
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Aircraft, US Coast Guard and Geodetic Survey Seismological and Geomagnetic House, Disarticulation, Travel, Missions of the United States Coast Guard, International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, United Nations Convention, Hope, Research, Sea, CNN, Radar, United States Coast Guard, Animal, Seawater, Fracture, Water, Joint, Kenya Coast Guard Service, United Kingdom, Observation, Weather, Private law, International law, ROV, Titanic, Safety, Dredging, Demolition, Private investigator, Uranium mining, Rare-earth element, Surveying, Titan
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CANADA, UNITED STATES, US, FRANCE
Résumé
Key Points: 
  • The vessel experienced a catastrophic implosion at some point during its journey, with all five passengers presumed dead.
  • An expert explains

    For now, details elude us – and it could be days, or even weeks, before we receive meaningful updates on the investigation’s progress.

  • The Titan disaster happened in international waters, in a commercially operated vessel, and with victims of different nationalities.

What happens next?


    The Titan, a research and exploration sub owned by US company OceanGate, lost contact with its surface vessel on Sunday morning, about one hour and 45 minutes after its departure. Chief investigator Jason Neubauer said the US Coast Guard will receive help from Canada, France and the United Kingdom. He said authorities had already mapped the accident site, and the inquiry will aim to address several questions, including:
    Recovery operations in remote parts of the ocean are painstakingly complex, with myriad variables to consider. We can expect the Titan investigation will cost millions of dollars.

Harsh conditions

    • Manufacturer Pelagic Research Services told CNN the ROV’s lifting capabilities had “been utilised and continue to be utilised”, and that missions would continue for about a week.
    • ROVs can collect vast amounts of data for deep-sea operations, including video footage and sensor readings.
    • They may have disintegrated during the implosion, drifted too far away from the search area, or be obscured by other debris.
    • Underwater hazards, harsh weather and strong currents all add to the challenge – especially by limiting visibility.

Finding the remains

    • But the chances of actually finding them will depend on various factors, including the cause of the implosion, the depth at which it happened, and the surrounding conditions.
    • A severe implosion may have resulted in extensive fragmentation and scattering of both the submersible’s structure and human remains.
    • The effort to locate remains may involve observation from long-range aircraft and patrol vessels, or may even rely on radar, sonar or satellite imagery.

Sharing responsibility

    • The Titan investigation will involve coordination between multiple entities, including maritime authorities, coast guard services and search and rescue organisations.
    • This requires that all vessels, regardless of their flag, have a legal obligation to render assistance to any person in distress at sea.
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