U.S. Coast Guard Launches Marine Board of Investigation into Titan Submersible Implosion and Loss of Five Lives

The U.S. Coast Guard has launched a Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) into the implosion of the Titan submersible, which resulted in the loss of five lives onboard. The investigation, which began on Friday, will include authorities from Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

At a news conference on Sunday, Chief Investigator Capt. Jason Neubauer said the MBI will look into the cause of the implosion and will also investigate any potential misconduct, incompetence, negligence, unskillfulness or willful violation of the law. The board can also make recommendations to pursue civil or criminal sanctions to the proper authorities.

The Titan submersible was attempting a dive to the wreckage of the Titanic when it experienced a catastrophic failure. The Coast Guard declared a major marine casualty after learning of the incident.

The Coast Guard is the highest level of investigation the service conducts and enables the U.S. to fully leverage investigative resources Coast Guard-wide. The investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as they become available.