The remnants of the OceanGate Titan submersible, tragically lost in an implosion near the Titanic wreckage, were retrieved on Wednesday. Ed Cassano, CEO of Pelagic Research Services, the company responsible for locating the sub, shared the emotional toll of the search and recovery operation during a Friday press conference.

Cassano recounted the initial focus on rescue after being contacted by OceanGate on June 18th, when the Titan lost communication. Their remotely operated vehicle (ROV), Odysseus, was swiftly deployed and reached the ocean floor within 90 minutes, quickly discovering the debris field. The mission transitioned from rescue to recovery by midday, a moment Cassano described with visible emotion.

The five crew members – OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, billionaire Hamish Harding, Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, businessman Shahzada Dawood, and his 19-year-old son Suleman – perished in the implosion on June 18th. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the recovery of presumed human remains after the wreckage was brought to the surface on Wednesday. Cassano acknowledged his company's awareness of OceanGate's operations prior to the incident, highlighting the tight-knit nature of the deep-sea exploration community.

While Cassano refrained from commenting on OceanGate's approach of funding research through passenger fees, he expressed understanding for their dedication to exploration. The tragedy underscores the inherent risks of deep-sea ventures and the emotional impact on those involved in search and recovery efforts.