Debris discovered on the ocean floor suggests the Titan submersible, which went missing near the Titanic wreck, suffered “catastrophic” stress, according to the USGS.

Speaking to reporters in Boston, Rear Admiral John Mauger, Commander of USCG Region 1, said: “Following this decision, we immediately notified the families (of the victims on the Titan submersible). On behalf of the US Coast Guard and the entire Joint Command, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families.”

From left to right: Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood, Suleman Dawood, Paul-Henri Nargeolet and Stockton Rush, victims of the Titan submersible. Photo: CNN

Meanwhile, Ocean Gate - the company that owns the Titan submersible - issued a statement confirming: "We now believe that our Stockton Rush CEO, Shahzada Dawood and his son - Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding and Paul-Henri Nargeolet have all sadly lost their lives... We are deeply saddened by the loss (of the victims)".

Also on June 22, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced that the British government will support the families of the victims on the Titan ship and expressed deep condolences.

On Twitter, Mr Cleverly wrote: “Devastating news that those on board the Titan submersible, including three British nationals, have died… The UK government will support the families affected and would like to express our deepest condolences.”

The Titan submersible, owned by Ocean Gate - a private company specializing in operating and providing ocean exploration services - lost all contact after nearly 2 hours carrying the 5 victims mentioned above to the ocean floor to visit the Titanic wreck on June 18.

VNA