Following the devastating implosion of the Titan submersible, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine if a criminal investigation is necessary. RCMP Superintendent Kent Osmond announced on Saturday the formation of an investigative team tasked with evaluating the need for a full criminal inquiry.

Superintendent Osmond clarified that a criminal investigation will only commence if the examination reveals potential violations of criminal, federal, or provincial laws. This announcement follows the discovery of debris from the Titan, confirming the tragic loss of all five passengers on board during an expedition to the Titanic wreckage.

The initial search and rescue operation, a substantial international endeavor, was spearheaded by the US Coast Guard. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has also launched its own investigation into the incident. While the RCMP holds jurisdiction over offshore deaths, they will be collaborating with other agencies involved in the search.

Superintendent Osmond emphasized that there isn't current suspicion of criminal activity, but the RCMP is taking preliminary steps to determine if a criminal investigation is warranted. The victims of the implosion include OceanGate CEO Stock Rush, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood, British adventurer Hamish Harding, and Titanic expert Paul-Henry Nargeolet.