U.S. Coast Guard Probes June 2023 Titan Submersible Disaster, Five Deaths and Safety Concerns Raised

Sep 23, 2024, 03:50 PM

The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting an inquiry into the Titan submersible disaster, which resulted in the deaths of five people, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, in June 2023. Testimonies from former employees and whistleblowers have highlighted numerous safety concerns and alleged that OceanGate was cutting corners in the design and operation of the submersible. David Lochridge, an accredited submersible pilot, described CEO Stockton Rush as highly unprofessional and dangerous. The company, co-founded by Guillermo Sohnlein, aimed to create a fleet of submersibles to enhance ocean exploration but faced criticism for its use of carbon fiber and other cost-cutting measures. The submersible imploded while diving to the Titanic wreckage. Final texts from the doomed Titan sub were also released. Despite the tragedy, Sohnlein expressed hope that it would not mark the end of deep-sea exploration.