The U.S. Coast Guard has begun a public hearing into the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible that claimed five lives during an ill-fated expedition to the Titanic wreck site in June 2023.
Daily Mail Online reported that the hearing, taking place in North Charleston, South Carolina, aims to investigate whether any criminal activity contributed to the disaster. Former OceanGate employees are scheduled to testify, providing insights into the company's operations and the submersible's history.
The hearing's first day revealed a pattern of safety concerns and equipment issues plaguing the Titan submersible in the years leading up to the tragedy. Witnesses, including OceanGate's former engineering director Tony Nissen, shed light on the company's practices and decision-making processes.
The Titan submersible reportedly experienced over 100 equipment issues in the years preceding the 2023 incident. A lightning strike during a 2018 test mission may have compromised the vessel's hull, raising significant safety concerns.
Former engineering director Tony Nissen testified that OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who was among those who perished in the implosion, often made crucial engineering decisions despite objections. Nissen described Rush as difficult to work with and frequently focused on costs and project schedules.
Nissen also revealed that he was terminated after refusing to sign off on the damaged hull for the 2019 Titanic expedition, highlighting the tensions within the company regarding safety protocols.
The hearing uncovered that the Titan was never certified or classified by any third-party organization, a standard procedure in the industry. This lack of external review raised questions about the vessel's safety and readiness for deep-sea missions.
Nissen testified that the carbon fiber hull's manufacturer was unwilling to alter the design despite concerns raised by scale model tests showing potential implosion risks. This revelation underscores the experimental nature of the Titan's construction and the risks associated with its design.
Former OceanGate pilot David Lochridge provided a 2018 report detailing concerns about the carbon fiber hull but was subsequently fired. The company's response to these concerns, including legal action against Lochridge, further illustrates the internal conflicts over safety standards.
The hearing presented a visual recreation of the Titan's final journey, revealing that among the last words heard from the crew were "all good here." This communication, along with subsequent messages about dropping weights, provides a chilling glimpse into the submersible's final moments before losing contact.
As the hearing continues, more former OceanGate employees, including the company's former finance director and contractors, are expected to testify. Notably absent from the witness list is Wendy Rush, widow of Stockton Rush and former communications director for OceanGate.
The U.S. Coast Guard's Marine Board of Investigation, the highest level of marine casualty investigation, will submit recommendations to the Coast Guard's commandant upon conclusion of the hearing. Concurrently, the National Transportation Safety Board is conducting its own investigation into the tragedy.
The Titan submersible disaster has raised critical questions about the safety and regulation of private deep-sea exploration. The hearing's revelations of repeated safety concerns, lack of certification, and internal conflicts at OceanGate highlight the risks associated with pushing technological boundaries in extreme environments. As the investigation continues, it may lead to significant changes in the oversight and operation of submersibles used for commercial deep-sea exploration.
