The hunt for five Titanic tourists ended in tragedy when rescuers said a ‘catastrophic failure’ blew up their Titan sub, killing all on board instantly.
Debris was found near the liner’s bow Âtoday, 12,500ft down in the Atlantic.
The implosion of the Titan under intense pressure at that depth meant instant death for the passengers – a fate that was described by one friend of theirs as a ‘saving grace’.
But relatives of a British billionaire who died hit out at US sub operator OceanGate for a reported eight-hour delay after it vanished before an alert was sounded.
Confirming that Titan imploded, US Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger, who has led the search, said: ‘The debris is consistent with a catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber. Upon this determination, we immediately notified the families.
‘I can only imagine what this has been like for them, and I hope that this discovery provides some solace.’
The British victims were aviation billionaire Hamish Harding, 58, businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son, Suleman, 19.
Also killed were veteran French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet and OceanGate boss Stockton Rush.
The firm said: ‘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.
As the tragic news spread, the mood in the five men’s departure city of St John’s, Newfoundland changed quickly from one of rugged optimism to bereavement.
Just half a mile from the safety of its harbour, the savagery of the Atlantic was once again on show.
Blue skies made way for dark clouds as locals began to come to grips with the loss.
Since Saturday, when the crew set sail with Titan aboard its Polar Prince mothership, they had been taken into their hearts and minds.
After the sub lost contact on its dive to the Titanic wreck, St John’s prayed the men would return to the same pier – but their hopes were to be cruelly dashed.
