Amidst ongoing search and rescue efforts for the missing OceanGate Titan submersible, Channel 5, the UK's third-largest commercial channel, has stirred controversy with its decision to air a documentary focusing on the event.
The documentary - titled Titanic Sub: Lost at Sea - is set to disrupt the usual Thursday evening lineup, potentially airing as the sub's oxygen reserves reach critical lows.
The Titan, carrying a five-person crew, lost communication with its launch ship last Sunday, during a mission to explore the wreckage of the Titanic - located about 12,500 feet beneath the ocean's surface. With air supplies now on the vessel depleating (based on the 96 hour launch estimarions) the race is on to find the missing submersible and its crew.
Despite these circumstances, Channel 5 plans to broadcast the documentary at 7:00PM UK time, promising viewers an "in-depth look at the extraordinary events."
The production will reportedly include expert interviews, testimonies from previous Titan passengers, and insights from those closely related to the crew members on board. Despite sounding more like it could be a live special, the Channel5 website has categorized the show as a 'documentary'.
Veteran presenter Dan Walker - known for his tenure on 5 News and Football Focus - will lead the documentary, which has been produced by ITN.
The managing director of content for ITN, Ian Rumsey, commented on the documentary's intent, saying: "This program will chart everything from the exploration itself, to the rise of extreme tourism, to the rescue attempts. But above all, it will tell a very human story that has captured the nation about five people, all with families, who are trapped at the bottom of the ocean."
Per news.com.au, Rumsey has assured audiences of ITN's "expertise and heritage in fast-turnaround documentaries and reputation for responsible filmmaking." He emphasized that the channel would treat the story with "great sensitivity."
Despite these assertions, the documentary's timing has sparked an outcry on social media.
Critics argue that airing the feature while the search is still in progress - and potentially just hours after the sub's oxygen is depleted - is insensitive. This backlash has been particularly evident on social media, where numerous users have expressed their concerns following several announcements regarding the controversial documentary.
One person tweeted alongside an announcement: "Capitalizing on this s**t the day they run out of air is insane".
A second added: "I was guessing 2024-2025 for a doc/movie but THIS THURSDAY? my god."
And a third unimpressed Twitter user wrote: "This is truly disgusting. Everything to make money; without thinking of the victims dying in such [pain] and the families."
As of this writing, the TV special is set to air at 7:00PM (UK time) on Channel 5.
