The investigation into the deaths of five individuals in the Titan submersible implosion is being conducted by Canadian authorities. Superintendent Kent Osmond, of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), announced on Saturday, June 24, the formation of an investigative team to determine the need for a criminal investigation. The team has commenced interviews and will assess whether criminal, federal, or provincial laws were potentially violated.
The individuals who perished in the implosion included British adventurer Hamish Harding, father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, along with Stockton Rush, the chief executive of the company responsible for the vessel, and French national Paul-Henri Nargeolet. Superintendent Osmond stated that no specific timeline has been established for the preliminary inquiries.
The RCMP also initiated an examination of the circumstances surrounding the deaths and conducted interviews with individuals on board Titan’s main support ship, the Polar Prince. The ship returned to St. John’s harbor on Saturday morning, with safety investigators also conducting inquiries on board. Superintendent Osmond confirmed that the RCMP is actively engaged in the matter and will update the public on the investigative progress when appropriate.
When questioned about potential criminal activity, Superintendent Osmond clarified that while there is no suspicion of criminal activity, the RCMP is taking initial steps to assess the need for further investigation. Before the authorities announced their inquiries, safety investigators revealed that family members of the deceased were on board Titan’s main support ship during the recovery operation.
The Titan submersible lost contact with the tour operator during its descent to the wreckage, and the vessel was reported missing eight hours after communication was lost. As the recovery operation began to wind down, Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) boats and TSB officials were seen returning to St. John’s harbor. Meanwhile, tributes were paid to the individuals who lost their lives in the tragic incident, including statements from Mr. Harding’s sons describing him as a loving father and determined businessman.