New footage from the ocean floor has revealed the tail cone of the Titan submersible, which sank during a voyage to the Titanic wreckage in June.

The Titan footage, released by the Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation, shows the wreckage of the submersible resting over 12,500 feet below the surface, offering a glimpse into the tragic incident that claimed the lives of all five passengers, as the New York Post reports.

The submersible’s wreckage was discovered at a depth of 3,775 meters, confirming the severe impact of the implosion that ended the voyage.

The Titan had been on an expedition to explore the Titanic wreckage, located roughly 2.5 miles beneath the ocean’s surface, when disaster struck. The footage, released on Tuesday, offers conclusive evidence of the sub's destruction and the fatalities of all aboard.

Public Hearings Uncover Key Details

The unveiling of the footage coincided with public hearings into the Titan's ill-fated expedition. These hearings have revealed crucial details about the submersible and the operation of OceanGate, the company responsible for the vessel. Investigators have raised concerns regarding the safety of the submersible, highlighting a pattern of issues that plagued the vessel in the years leading up to its final voyage.

According to the Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation, more than 100 technical problems had been recorded over a two-year period. These include 70 issues flagged in 2021 and 48 in 2022. Despite these warnings, safety concerns were reportedly ignored by OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush.

Former Employees Testify About Safety Concerns

During the hearings, former OceanGate engineering director Tony Nissen provided critical testimony. Nissen revealed that he had been fired in 2019 after refusing to approve an expedition due to safety concerns. His testimony sheds light on an ongoing debate within the company about whether the submersible was safe enough for deep-sea voyages.

Nissen’s testimony was corroborated by veteran diver and submersible pilot David Lochridge, who also voiced concerns over the company's safety practices. Lochridge had clashed with Rush about cost-cutting measures, accusing the CEO of attempting to "do things on the cheap." These decisions, Lochridge suggested, may have played a role in the eventual failure of the Titan.

Catastrophic Implosion Claimed Five Lives

The incident resulted in the deaths of all five occupants aboard the submersible. Those killed included Rush, British adventurer Hamish Harding, French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and Pakistani businessmen Shahzada and his son, Suleman Dawood. The implosion occurred as the submersible attempted to descend to view the Titanic wreckage.

The Coast Guard's ongoing investigation aims to determine the precise cause of the implosion, but the public hearings have already revealed troubling information about the vessel's operational history. According to experts, the structural integrity of the submersible was compromised long before the fatal expedition took place.

Investigation Continues to Uncover New Facts

As the hearings continue, investigators are working to understand why so many technical issues went unaddressed, despite repeated warnings from former employees. The investigation will also focus on what can be done to prevent future tragedies of this kind.

While the footage released this week provides visual confirmation of the Titan's destruction, much of the focus now lies on determining how OceanGate’s internal decisions contributed to the disaster.

Looking Forward: Preventing Future Tragedies

The investigation into the Titan submersible is expected to result in recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

With over 100 recorded issues, the hearings suggest a widespread pattern of neglect regarding safety standards. Nissen and Lochridge's testimonies have already pointed to failures at the top level of the company, with CEO Stockton Rush ignoring critical safety advice.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, many are now asking how companies involved in deep-sea exploration can better ensure the safety of their vessels. The Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation will likely propose measures to regulate the industry more strictly, ensuring that no more lives are lost due to preventable mechanical failures.

Conclusion: A Tragic Outcome with Lasting Lessons

The release of deep-sea footage showing the wreckage of the Titan submersible has provided the public with a haunting reminder of the catastrophic loss.

As investigators delve into the events leading up to the tragedy, it has become clear that many of the issues that plagued the submersible could have been addressed sooner. The hearings, which are ongoing, aim to uncover the full extent of the company's missteps and provide recommendations to prevent future tragedies.

This investigation highlights the importance of safety in deep-sea expeditions, as the catastrophic loss of the Titan and its passengers serves as a stark warning of the risks involved in these ventures.