Authorities are examining a “debris field” located near the wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic in the search for a missing tourist submarine. The plight of the five people aboard has captured the attention of the world as specialized water vehicles from across the globe have been summoned to an area approximately 900 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

(Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Experts say a “debris field” could indicate a catastrophic event took place as the OceanGate submersible was descending to the ocean floor where the Titanic sits. Yesterday “banging noises” some 30 minutes apart were picked up by sonar elevating hopes that the five people aboard might still be rescued. However time ran out this morning when the 96 hours of emergency oxygen expired.

Then just before 2 p.m. today, the U.S. Coast Guard announced the siting of the “debris field.” A news conference is set for 3 p.m. today regarding the tragic event.