Almost a year after fatal dive to the Titanic, questions remain

Nearly a year after the Titan submersible made its final fatal dive, investigators are still working to determine exactly what happened.

The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) said Friday that several factors have extended the initial 12-month investigation timeline, including “the need to contract two salvage missions to secure vital evidence and the extensive forensic testing required, which has led to necessary delays,” according to a news release.

The investigation into the implosion of the tourist sub is complex, according to the statement, and involves both domestic and international partners.

All five passengers aboard the Everett-made submersible died last year during a dive to view the wreck of the Titanic.

The sub lost contact about an hour and 45 minutes after descending, triggering an urgent and massive international search effort.

The search captivated people around the globe as the clock ticked down on the remaining oxygen supply and hope that the passengers would be found alive dwindled.

Debris pointing towards a catastrophic implosion of the vessel was eventually found, leading to the conclusion that all those aboard had perished.

Following the disaster, questions about the design of the Titan, a unique submersible watercraft that was built by OceanGate Inc., an Everett, Washington, company, emerged.

Some in the industry said they’d had concerns for years.

Federal investigators intend to hold a public hearing on the investigation by the end of the year. A date has not yet been released.