The hearing will examine all aspects of the loss of the Titan, including pre-accident historical events, regulatory compliance, crew member duties and qualifications, mechanical and structural systems, emergency response and the submersible industry.

The formal hearing was convened by Vice Adm. Peter W. Gautier, deputy commandant for operations. An MBI is the highest level of investigation in the Coast Guard. Upon completion of the investigation, the Board will issue a report to the Commandant with the evidence collected, the facts established, its conclusions and recommendations.

Titan was on an expedition to explore the wreck of the Titanic when contact was lost 1 hour and 47 minutes into its dive on Sunday, June 18, 2023. The Coast Guard, along with other agencies, international partners and private entities, conducted an extensive search operation. The wreckage of the Titan submersible was subsequently found on the ocean floor, about 300 meters off the bow of the Titanic, and all five passengers were declared deceased.