The US Coast Guard authorities have revealed that the debris found during the search for the submersible that went missing during a tourist expedition was “consistent with a catastrophic implosion of the vessel”.

Authorities made this known during a press briefing on Thursday.

According to OceanGate, the vessel’s operator, its pilot, and chief executive Stockton Rush, along with passengers Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet “have sadly been lost”.

US Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger disclosed during the press conference that the wreckage of the submersible was discovered on Thursday morning by a deep-sea robot deployed from a Canadian ship.

A statement by OceanGate Expeditions read, ”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.”

“The outpouring of support in this highly complex search operation has been greatly appreciated. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and loved ones of the crew.”