The Titan submersible was launched by OceanGate Expeditions for a mission to explore the wreck of the Titanic, located approximately 12,500 feet beneath the North Atlantic Ocean. This state-of-the-art vessel was designed for deep-sea exploration and aimed to provide scientists and adventurers with unprecedented access to the Titanic's site since its discovery in 1985 by Robert Ballard. Equipped with advanced technology and features, Titan was a flagship venture for OceanGate, showcasing their commitment to underwater exploration. However, during its descent on June 18, 2023, a catastrophic failure caused the submersible to implode, resulting in the immediate loss of all five individuals on board. This event raised concerns regarding the safety protocols and engineering of deep-sea vessels.

Among the victims was Stockton Rush, an innovative figure in the realm of deep-sea exploration, who had passionately devoted his career to oceanic science and tourism. The Titan incident not only ended the lives of its crew members but also cast a shadow over private exploration ventures. Following the explosion, a massive search operation was initiated in the North Atlantic to locate the submersible wreckage and recover any potential evidence. Investigations were launched to determine the cause of the implosion and to examine the safety standards in deep-sea explorations by private companies.

In the aftermath, there was significant media coverage and public discourse around deep-sea tourism's risks and challenges. Experts called for stricter regulation and oversight of such ventures to prevent similar incidents in the future. This event highlighted the thin line between adventure and danger in explorative undertakings and renewed discussions about the future of underwater tourism and preservation of historical sites like the Titanic.