Presumed Human Remains and More Debris Recovered From Follow-Up Recovery Operation of Imploded Titan Submersible

Four months after the Titan submersible imploded during its deep-sea mission, the U.S. Coast Guard has recovered the remaining debris, which includes presumed human remains.

New Collection of Debris

In a statement released on October 10, the Coast Guard describes the result of the recovery mission conducted by the Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) on the North Atlantic Ocean floor. The recovery and transfer of the remaining parts of the submersible was completed on October 4, capturing a photo that showed the intact aft titanium end cap of the 22-foot (6.7-meter) vessel. Additionally, presumed human remains were recovered from within the debris and were transported for analysis by medical professionals.

The salvage mission was conducted under an agreement with the U.S. Navy as a follow-up to initial recovery operations on the ocean floor about 1,600 feet (488 meters) away from the Titanic. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada also joined the salvage expedition on the debris field located at 12,500 feet (3,800 meters).

The Coast Guard coordinates with international investigative agencies in scheduling a joint review of the evidence to determine the next phase for forensic testing. Meanwhile, the Marine Board of Investigation plans to continue its analysis and witness interviews before a public hearing.

The Titan submersible disappeared on June 18 during an expedition to survey the remains of the Titanic. Experts believed the OceanGate underwater vessel imploded while descending into deep North Atlantic waters. The disaster killed all five on board, including Stockton Rush, the submersible's pilot and OceanGate CEO.

How Much Pressure Can the Human Body Take?

Our body is constantly under pressure. Air always presses down on us at 14.5 pounds per square inch, equivalent to one atmosphere. Humans are designed to withstand 3 to 4 atmospheres of pressure, or 43.5 to 58 psi.

Water weighs 64 pounds per cubic foot or one atmosphere per 3 feet of depth. Considering these numbers, it is no surprise that the ocean's pressure can crush a human body while pressing from all sides.

For every 33 feet a diver descends, the weight of the water above them increases by 15 pounds per square inch. At only a few feet below the surface, the pressure is too much for the muscles and lungs to work, making it difficult to draw breath.

At around 100 feet deep, the spongy tissue of the lungs starts to contract, leaving only a small supply of air inhaled from the surface. The "dive-response" is triggered in our body, where the limbs are constricted, and the blood is pushed towards the heart and brain, where it is most needed. The extra blood expands the blood vessels in the chest while the pressure from the outside water is balanced.

More serious consequences can be experienced when a diver reaches the deepest part of the ocean. The diver faces the immediate threat of great water pressure, freezing cold, and lack of breathable oxygen. Since the body's internal pressure is less than the ambient pressure, the lungs cannot push back against the water pressure. The lungs would collapse at a deep enough level and may kill the diver instantly.