The Titan Sub experienced a “catastrophic” implosion on its way to the Titanic shipwreck, killing all five passengers on board.
According to a US Coast Guard spokeswoman, debris discovered during the hunt for the missing submarine is “consistent with the catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber.”
Rear Admiral John Mauger told a press conference in Boston: “This morning, an ROV, or remote operated vehicle from the vessel Horizon Arctic discovered the tail cone of the Titan submersible approximately 1,600ft (500m) from the bow of the Titanic on the sea floor.
“The ROV subsequently found additional debris. In consultation with experts from within the unified command, the debris is consistent with the catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber.
“Upon this determination, we immediately notified the families.
“On behalf of the United States Coast Guard and the entire unified command, I offer my deepest condolences to the families. I can only imagine what this has been like for them.
“And I hope that this discovery provides some solace during this difficult time.”
What happens when a body implodes?
An implosion occurs when anything falls “violently inward” due to the pressure outside being substantially larger than the pressure inside.
According to experts, the deaths on board the Titan submarine would have been swift and painless.
When an implosion happens, the victim’s lungs and sternum, as well as any other part of the body containing oxygen, are quickly crushed.
Stefan Williams, a professor of marine robotics at the University of Sydney told The Guardian: “If the pressure vessel has failed catastrophically, it’s like a small bomb going off.
“The potential is that all the safety devices might be destroyed in the process.”
What happens in an implosion under water?
An implosion is described as a sudden collapse of matter in a closed area under the influence of a significant pressure difference.
The Titan sub suffered a “catastrophic implosion” and would have collapsed inwards under the immense pressure.
Aileen Maria Marty, a former Naval officer and professor at Florida International University, told CNN that the horrific event would have taken place within a fraction of a millisecond.
Although debris from the wreckage has been found, experts agree that it will be near impossible to recover any bodies.