EAST AURORA, NEW YORK: The leader of the search team that discovered the missing Titan submersible's wreckage was moved to tears as he recounted the emotional moment when they learned that the explorers had died as the result of vessel implosion. Pelagic Research Services CEO Ed Cassano stated that his company was brought in for the search-and-rescue operation after the Oceangate-owned submersible disappeared while taking tourists to see the Titanic wreckage on June 18.
“We were always conscious of the crew of the Titan. Plain and simple, we were focused on rescue,” Cassano told reporters during a press conference in East Aurora, New York on Friday, June 30, according to NY Post. Pelagic reached the Titanic wreckage, which was located at a depth of around 12,500 feet, in 90 minutes after launching its remotely operated vehicle, the Odysseus and 6K. “Shortly after arriving on the seafloor, we discovered the debris of the Titan submersible,” Cassano said, adding, “By 12 o’clock, a rescue turned into a recovery.” Speaking on what he thought caused the implosion, he said the sub was "pushed beyond its depth rate".
‘There’s a lot of emotions’
Cassano choked up and looked to be fighting back tears as he spoke to reporters. “I have to apologize, we are still demobilizing, there’s a lot of emotions, people are tired,” he said before urging people to “recognize the seriousness of the event and respect the depth and range of emotions” for those involved. "I can't say enough about the professionalism and preparation for the entire response that allowed us to come in as primary and have that waiting for us,” he continued. When asked what lessons can be drawn from the tragedy, Cassano responded, "There is a lot to be learned," adding that his staff is "very proud" of their work.
Who is Ed Cassano?
The CEO of Pelagic Research Services, Cassano has been involved in marine operations, ocean conservation, and organizational management for over 25 years. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in science from Southampton College and a master's degree in marine affairs from the University of Washington. Cassano previously served as senior and executive management at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Ocean Futures Society. He has also held the position of Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Cassano also owns a small marine conservation non-profit, Integrated Marine Education and Research Expeditions, according to Pelagic Services.com.
Titan submersible's disappearance
Titan went missing on June 18 when it lost contact with its mothership MV Polar Prince after 1 hour and 45 minutes into the dive. After an extensive four-day-long search, the US Coastal Guard confirmed on Thursday, June 22 that all five crew members on board the Titan died after the vessel was subject to a "catastrophic implosion." Rescuers located five significant pieces of Titan's wreckage 1,600 feet away from the Titanic shipwreck using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The victims who were killed in the implosion included OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who piloted the vessel, British billionaire and explorer Hamish Harding, French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet and Pakistani business tycoon Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son, Suleman.
