Daily Skimm: The search for the missing OceanGate submersible ended in tragedy.

OceanGate

The Story

The search for the missing submersible ended in tragedy.

What do we know?

Yesterday, the US Coast Guard said the vessel likely suffered a “catastrophic implosion” — killing all five people on board. After days of searching the Atlantic, officials found the vessel’s nose cone, pressure hull, and other debris near the Titanic wreckage. The discovery marks an end to an international search effort that captured the world’s attention. Authorities said they’ll continue to gather evidence to learn why and when they heard the implosion. However, it’s unclear if they’ll be able to recover the passengers’ remains. Now, as efforts enter a new phase, many are highlighting the safety concerns that might’ve been ignored.

Explain.

Since 2018, experts have sounded the alarm about the design of OceanGate’s submersible — which is steered with a video game controller. One of the red flags came from a former OceanGate employee, who had emphasized the craft needed more testing and posed a danger to passengers when it reached “extreme depths.” Many in the deep-diving community reportedly also raised concerns that the submersible couldn’t handle the ocean’s high pressure. Authorities from different countries are reportedly investigating. Meanwhile, the families of those lost are remembering their loved ones.

theSkimm

The search for the submersible has captivated the world’s attention. As families grieve, many are left wondering if the submersible should’ve ventured into the depths of the ocean in the first place.

What’s got updates…

The Supreme Court. Yesterday, it ruled against the Navajo Nation in a water rights dispute involving the Colorado River. For decades, the tribe argued that historic treaties require the federal government to guarantee the Navajo Nation’s access to the water system. However, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and several water districts in California maintained that the gov’s involvement would disrupt their management of the dwindling water supply. In the majority opinion, Judge Brett Kavanaugh said the treaties didn’t specify the federal gov’s obligation to secure the tribe’s water access. Justice Neil Gorsuch dissented, saying the majority misunderstood the tribe’s request.

Who’s shaking hands…

President Biden and Indian PM Narendra Modi. Yesterday, they met at the White House to announce new partnerships between the two countries. The state visit mostly focused on defense, tech, and trade agreements aimed at curbing China's global influence. While they didn't directly name China, both leaders emphasized how the Pacific region and South China Seas should remain peaceful. The leaders also announced a new deal on strengthening the semiconductor industry, defense production, and space exploration. The trip marked Modi’s first state visit to the US and also the first time he took questions from reporters at a press conference in nearly a decade.

What’s on the rise…

Anti-LGBTQIA+ harassment. Yesterday, a report found that the number of incidents against the LGBTQIA+ community increased. Between June 2022 and April 2023, the Anti-Defamation League and GLAAD documented more than 350 incidents across 46 states and Washington, DC. A lot of that included online harassment, armed protests, and bomb threats. Drag shows and drag performers were the most frequent targets with 138 incidents. The report comes amid a rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation across the country, especially against drag shows.

What’s saying age is just a number...

The US population.

While Furby is making a comeback...

The Big Yellow Boot is stepping up.

Who’s number one…

Victor Wembanyama.