Search and rescue operations for Titan submersible 'conclude' as ships begin to make their way back to port

Ships have started to return to St John’s Port after assisting with attempts to recover the Titan submersible which killed five people after it imploded.

The Canadian Coast Guard confirmed two ships were en route to the port, in Newfoundland, Canada, on Friday evening. Crowds gathered nearby on King's Beach to watch the ships return as people lay flowers in memory of the victims of the fatal implosion.

OceanGate, the sub's operating company, said on Wednesday that all five people on board the Titan died following a ‘catastrophic implosion’ after debris, including a landing frame and a rear cover, was recovered from the ocean.

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The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) announced it would be conducting a safety investigation into the fatal implosion of the deep sea vessel. British adventurer Hamish Harding and father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood were killed on board the submersible, alongside the chief executive of the company responsible for the vessel, Stockton Rush, and French national Paul-Henri Nargeolet.

In a statement issued before their ship arrived at the port, the CCG said: “The Canadian Coast Guard offers our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the crew of the Titan for their tragic loss.

“Search and rescue operations have concluded. The CCGS Terry Fox and CCGS Ann Harvey are en route to St John’s.

“The CCGS John Cabot will remain on scene and will provide assistance and support to the recovery and salvage operations as requested by Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Boston.”

The TSB said a team of investigators had been deployed to St John’s in Canada to “gather information, conduct interviews and assess the