Channel 5 documentary on Titanic submersible branded 'tasteless'

22 June 2023 , 22:00

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Channel 5's documentary on Titanic submarine branded 'tasteless' and 'poor' by viewers (Image: Channel 5)

Channel 5 viewers have slammed the Titanic submarine documentary as they brand it "tasteless".

The documentary, fronted by news anchor Dan Walker, heard from various experts who commented on the tragedy of the missing Titan submarine that lost contact with its base on Sunday (18 June).

Also, at the end of the programme, a live press conference from Boston saw the US coastguard confirm they have found debris from the submarine and that it is deemed missing with the five team members on board declared as dead.

The sad news came towards the end of the Channel 5 documentary, with many viewers calling out the channel for airing a programme on such a "sensitive" topic.

Dan Walker presented the Channel 5 programme, however some viewers branded it 'tasteless' (Channel 5)

Journalist Dan Walker shared a tweet before the show aired on Channel 5, as he wrote: "We are on air tonight for a news special on the missing titanic sub… join us from 7pm on @channel5_tv and we’ll stay on air for the live update from the US Coastguard at 8pm."

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Replying to Dan's tweet, one viewer tweeted: "Awful taste and bad timing. You should all be ashamed of yourselves."

Another added: "This should be cancelled in respect of the crew. Too late to carve out salacious gossip. Awful judgement and timing."

A third wrote: "Really need the special studio setup, dramatic music, and the sonar sound effect?? Pretty poor taste.."

"I think you've completely misread the room on this one Dan," said another.

The Titan submarine had been missing since Sunday (18 June) but has today all five team members on board have been declared as dead (PA)

Another responded: "I do think this was very bad timing... I'm surprised actually tbh."

However some fans thanked Dan for his journalism and professionalism, including when the press conference from the US Coastguard confirmed the death of all five passengers on board.

One viewer tweeted: "Brilliant show and you explained things so well Dan. Such a awful tragedy."

Another added: "Loving the show Dan. The theme music with the sonar pings is imaginative. Informative and sensitive show. Keep up the good work."

"Superb journalism tonight Dan, truly award winning, professional, faultless presentation, class," said another.

The Titanic submersible was taking five people to see the wreck of the Titanic in the Atlantic Ocean before it lost contact less than two hours into its dive on Sunday (18 June). US coastguards have now confirmed all those on board are dead after finding debris from the vessel.

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