OceanGate: Entire Crew Dead, Debris Confirmed by Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard said it was able to confirm that debris from the Titanic expedition was discovered Thursday.

Tragically, the company that sent the submersible announced the entire crew, including the CEO died.

“We now believe that our CEO Stockton Rush, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet, have sadly been lost,” the company said.

Debris from the Titan submersible was discovered just 1,600 feet from the bow of the Titanic on the sea floor, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed in a press conference Thursday afternoon.

The debris was “consistent with a catastrophic implosion of the vessel,” according to the Coast Guard.

“These men were true explorers who shared a distinct spirit of adventure, and a deep passion for exploring and protecting the world’s oceans. 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,” OceanGate said.

“This is an extremely sad time for our dedicated employees who are exhausted and grieving deeply over this loss. 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. We appreciate their commitment to finding these five explorers, and their days and nights of tireless work in support of our crew and their families.”

“This is a very sad time for the entire explorer community, and for each of the family members of those lost at sea. We respectfully ask that the privacy of these families be respected during this most painful time.”

Please keep their families in your prayers. Truly sad.

WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW:

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Caleb Parke is the SMG managing editor. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and connect with him at calebparke.com.