Crew of missing Titanic sub died after vessel imploded � US Coast Guard

The US Coast Guard authorities have revealed that the debris found during the search for the submersible that went missing during a tourist expedition was �consistent with a catastrophic implosion of the vessel�.

Authorities made this known during a press briefing on Thursday.

According to OceanGate, the vessel�s operator, its pilot, and chief executive Stockton Rush, along with passengers Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet �have sadly been lost�.

US Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger disclosed during the press conference that the wreckage of the submersible was discovered on Thursday morning by a deep-sea robot deployed from a Canadian ship.

The vessel, Mauger added, was discovered 1,600 feet (488 meters) from the bow of 111 years old Titanic, 2-1/2 miles (4 km) below the surface.

A statement by OceanGate Expeditions read, ”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.�

�The outpouring of support in this highly complex search operation has been greatly appreciated. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and loved ones of the crew.�