Debris discovered on the ocean floor suggests the missing Titan submersible 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 submersible Titan - 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 passing (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: “Terrible news that those on board the Titan submersible, including three British citizens, 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 of carrying the 5 victims to the ocean floor to visit the Titanic wreck on June 18.

VNA