A documentary on the tragedy of submersible Titan, which aired at the same time the five passengers were confirmed dead by authorities on Thursday, was heavily criticized by viewers for its over-hasty airing.
• Read also: Titan implosion: Security was a ‘key element’ of OceanGate, argues co-founder
• Read also: Submersible: Family of one of the missing pays tribute to ‘passionate explorer’
• Read also: “Terrified” at the idea of going to the submersible, he dies at 19 in the implosion
“I feel a bit sad watching this Channel 5 ‘documentary’ which is really just a live special. Especially after today’s debris news. Just a little too early for that,” reacted a viewer on social media, according to what was reported The Independent Friday.
The show, titled Titanic Sub: Lost at Seawould tell the story of the exploration submarine which was to allow five billionaires to explore the remains of the sinking of the Titanic, before being reported missing last Sunday.
But as the planet nervously counted the hours before the submarine lost its last reserves of oxygen, the British television network reportedly decided to go ahead with airing its documentary chronicling the tragedy for just an hour. after the end of the macabre count.
That morning, debris from the submarine had been found, raising fears for the worst to the authorities, who ended up confirming the deaths of the five passengers in full during the broadcast.
“I can’t believe Channel 5 is going ahead to show this program live on Titanic Submarine. Vile, tasteless and utterly appalling of them,” a second reportedly wrote, while a third instead called the broadcast “macabre,” according to the British outlet.
For his part, Ian Rumsey, director of content for ITN, which produced the documentary, emphasized the “very human” side of the program, indicating that it is about the rescue and the testimony of the families of the passengers, but also about shipping and the rise of extreme tourism.
“Our expertise and heritage in fast-paced documentaries, as well as our reputation for responsible cinema, means that we always treat these stories with great sensitivity,” he said before the broadcast in a statement, reported. The Independent.