June 22, 2023
The world was glued to the TVs and newsfeeds as search and rescue operations were underway for the submersible that went missing on Sunday (June 18) during a dive to the Titanic shipwreck site.
The five people aboard a missing submersible finally lost in a "catastrophic" event, a Coast Guard official said on Thursday, bringing a grim end to the massive search for the vessel that was lost during a voyage to the Titanic.
"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," OceanGate Expeditions said in a statement.
Many celebrities and bold-faced names weighed in with their thoughts when the search was underway.
"It's interesting because the Titanic itself went down because of human incompetence and stupidity on the part of, according to the movies, hubris, and the same with this," Joy Behar - "The View" co-presenter said during the Hot Topics segment of her daytime talk show on June 21.
"That's the irony of it. They're going to see the same thing is happening to them. It's very sad and scary," Joy Behar added.
Taking to her Instagram, "Real Housewives of New York City" alum Bethenny Frankel said that the decision of five passengers to voyage in the now-missing Titan submersible was a "bad idea".
"But going on a submarine, jumping out of airplanes, riding motorcycles, swimming with sharks — all of these things seem like a bad idea, " The Skinnygirl mogul continued.
The former reality star extended her sympathy at the end of the video, telling fans, "It's so tragic and so sad and so terrible. God bless those poor people."
"Praying they make it out alive," she added in her caption. "What do you think of this insane submarine incident?"
Cardi B also showed her concerns about the incident and appeared to be with the families in crisis, urging Brian Szasz - the stepson of the British billionaire who is currently aboard the missing Titan submersible, to be with family instead of enjoying a concert in San Diego while his stepfather, Hamish Harding, is missing.
A massive search operation was underway for the Titanic wreckage-bound submersible. During the search, a debris field was discovered. It was initially unclear if it is connected to the missing submersible.
The sub is carrying five people — a British adventurer, a French diver, a Pakistani father and son and the other co-funder of OceanGate Expeditions.
Now, a Coast Guard official has confirmed that all five people aboard a missing submersible died in a "catastrophic" event.