According to Fox News, Coast Guard officials confirmed on Thursday that a debris field from the missing OceanGate Titan submersible has been located.

"The debris is consistent with the catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber. Upon this determination, we immediately notified the families," U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral John Mauger was quoted as saying.

Contact lost less than two hours after journey began

"On behalf of the United States Coast Guard and the entire unified command, I offer my deepest condolences to the families," he stressed.

Fox News noted that the craft lost contact with the surface on Sunday approximately one hour and 45 minutes after it began descending toward the wreck of the Titanic.

On board was British businessman Hamish Harding, Pakistani billionaire Shahzada Dawood and his teenage son Suleman, and former French naval officer Paul-Henry Nargeolet, who was considered to be a leading Titanic expert.

Accompanying the four passengers was Stockton Rush, who served as CEO of OceanGate. His company put out a statement following Thursday's discovery.

Passengers hailed as "true explorers"

"These men were true explorers who shared a distinct spirit of adventure, and a deep passion for exploring and protecting the world’s oceans," it read.

"Our hearts are with these five souls and every member of their families during this tragic time," the statement went on to conclude.

Meanwhile, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and the Canadian Armed Forces released a statement offering "sincere condolences to the family and friends of the crew of the Titan for their tragic loss."

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) and the Canadian Armed Forces offer their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the crew of the Titan for their tragic loss.

— Halifax JRCC CCCOS (@hfxjrcc) June 23, 2023

"A truly unfortunate outcome concluding great efforts and cooperation between countries, militaries and partners," it continued, adding, "As this operation is transitioning to recovery and salvage, MRCC Boston no longer requires rescue services."

Navy detected implosion shortly after it submerged

Interestingly, Fox News reported on Thursday that the United States Navy detected what it suspected was the implosion of the Titan submersible shortly after began its descent.

This revelation led some observers to speculate that the information was withheld in order to distract from congressional testimony regarding Hunter Biden.

HOLY SHLIT

The WSJ is reporting the US Navy detected the Titan implosion on Sunday but Biden held the news until today's whistleblower testimony on Hunter

The entire thing was a distraction op

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) June 22, 2023