Ed Cassano, the CEO of Pelagic Research Services, spoke at a press conference about the recently recovered wreckage of the Titan submersible. Cassano expressed his passion and joy for ocean exploration, describing it as “very compelling.” He also mentioned that his company was aware of OceanGate’s activities before the Titan sub’s fatal trip, emphasizing the small community of ocean explorers.
Cassano’s company played a vital role in the search and recovery efforts for the missing submersible. They deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) called Odysseus 6K, which quickly located the debris near the original Titanic wreck. Odysseus 6K was the only ROV capable of reaching the depths of the Titanic wreckage, highlighting its advanced capabilities.
Initially, Cassano’s team had hoped to rescue the Titan submersible and its passengers. However, as they descended to the seafloor, it became apparent that no one could have survived the journey. Cassano emotionally described how the rescue operation transitioned into a recovery mission.
During the press conference, Cassano’s emotions were evident as he described the efforts of his team. Apologizing for any signs of fatigue or emotional exhaustion, he conveyed the challenging nature of the recovery process.
The Titan submersible carried five passengers, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, British-Pakistani Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman, and French sub-pilot and explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet. Tragically, all five passengers perished in the incident. The US Coast Guard confirmed that presumed human remains had also been recovered from the wreckage.
Investigations into the cause of the submersible’s demise are expected to take several years. Experts have speculated that the vessel’s carbon-fiber hull may have failed under the immense pressure at such depths. Jasper Graham-Jones, an associate professor in Mechanical & Marine Engineering at Plymouth University, explained that both a failed window and hull could have led to the implosion of the ship. Safety concerns related to the design and operation of the vessel, which were previously ignored or dismissed, will also be thoroughly examined.
The investigative process will involve a meticulous examination of the remains of the submersible in order to determine what exactly went wrong. Graham-Jones highlighted the importance of scrutinizing every part of the wreckage to gain insights into the failure. US officials have pledged to release a report on their findings within one to two years.
The recovery of the Titan submersible has shed light on the inherent risks and challenges associated with deep-sea exploration. As Cassano and his team continue to process this emotional endeavor, the larger ocean exploration community remains committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and understanding in the depths of the world’s oceans.
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