In June 2023, the Titan submersible imploded during a dive to the Titanic wreck, sadly killing all five passengers. As a result, a US Coast Guard report released on Monday confirms the Titan sub disaster was preventable. The investigation points to major safety failures by OceanGate, the company running the vessel. Specifically, it highlights ignored warnings and poor oversight as key reasons.
The victims were OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, British explorer Hamish Harding, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood with his son Suleman. The Titan tragedy was entirely preventable, highlighting the importance of oversight.
Ignored Safety Warnings
For years, experts warned OceanGate about the Titan’s safety risks. Since 2018, they raised concerns about the submersible’s unique carbon fibre hull. However, OceanGate did not seek third-party certification, a common standard for deep-sea vessels. Rear Admiral Jason Neubauer, who led the investigation, said following safety rules could have stopped the Titan disaster, which was entirely preventable.
Moreover, the report suggests the hull likely broke due to repeated stress from deep-sea pressure, causing a sudden implosion in milliseconds. This shows the need for thorough testing as the Titan disaster was preventable.
OceanGate’s Risky Culture
Additionally, OceanGate’s company culture came under fire. Workers who voiced safety concerns were often ignored or fired. For example, CEO Stockton Rush openly criticised safety rules, saying they slowed progress. By skipping standard approvals, OceanGate avoided key safety checks, leading to the Titan sub disaster, which tragically could have been prevented.
Global Push for Change
Consequently, the findings have sparked worldwide calls for tougher rules in deep-sea tourism. The US Coast Guard plans to form an international group to review the report and improve submersible safety standards. Meanwhile, victims’ families hope these steps will prevent future tragedies. They stressed the need to learn from the Titan catastrophe, which was preventable.
In conclusion, the Titan sub disaster being preventable shows the urgent need for accountability and change in deep-sea exploration.
