The mysteries of the deep ocean hold an undeniable allure, captivating explorers and scientists alike for generations. Nowhere is this fascination more potent than with the wreck of the R.M.S. Titanic, lying silently on the ocean floor nearly two and a half miles below the surface. Yet, reaching this iconic site is a formidable challenge, one that requires cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to safety. A U.S. Coast Guard investigatory panel is currently delving into the operations surrounding the Titan submersible, which tragically imploded last year en route to the wreck, claiming the lives of all five people aboard. Over several days of testimony, a clearer, albeit sometimes conflicting, picture is emerging of the challenges and experiences faced on previous expeditions with the vessel.
The hearing, a high-level marine casualty investigation by the Coast Guard, aims to understand the circumstances that led to the devastating implosion on June 18, 2023. Witnesses, including former passengers and employees of OceanGate, the company that owned and operated the Titan, have stepped forward to share their accounts. These testimonies paint a vivid picture of technical glitches, operational concerns, and a unique perspective on the nature of deep-sea tourism and exploration with this particular craft.
Among those who testified was Fred Hagen, a previous passenger on a Titan dive to the Titanic in 2021. Mr. Hagen had paid a fee to join the expedition, taking on a role OceanGate termed “mission specialist.” He recounted a dive that had to be aborted underwater due to an apparent mechanical failure. The challenges began when they realized the submersible wasn’t navigating as intended. Mr. Hagen specifically stated that the Titan could only perform one maneuver effectively, explaining, “We realised that all it could do was spin around in circles, making right turns.”
This inability to move as required meant a fundamental goal of the mission became unreachable. Mr. Hagen articulated the stark reality: “At this juncture, we obviously weren’t going to be able to navigate to the Titanic.” The starboard thruster, intended to provide directional control, had failed to activate. Faced with this significant operational issue, the crew made the decision to end the dive.
The procedure to return to the surface involved dropping weights. The Titan then resurfaced, and the mission was scrapped. While recounting this aborted trip, Mr. Hagen also offered a candid assessment of the inherent risks involved in such endeavors. He openly admitted his awareness that the experimental submersible he boarded was potentially unsafe.
Reflecting on the mindset required for such a journey, Mr. Hagen stated plainly, “Anyone that wanted to go was either delusional if they didn’t think that it was dangerous, or they were embracing the risk.” His testimony highlights the accepted, perhaps even celebrated, element of danger that accompanied these voyages to the deep. This sentiment provides a crucial piece of context for understanding the perspectives of those who chose to undertake these challenging expeditions.
Another former OceanGate affiliate to provide compelling testimony was Dr. Steven Ross, who served as the company’s former scientific director. Dr. Ross shared details of a dive aboard the Titan that occurred just days before the fatal implosion in June 2023. He was a crew member on this particular expedition, which was also aborted. The issue on this occasion stemmed from a variable ballast tank problem, described as a valve malfunction, that occurred during the descent.
However, the problems didn’t end there. Upon attempting to recover the submersible after it resurfaced, the platform used for launching and retrieving the Titan malfunctioned. This mechanical issue with the platform caused the Titan to tilt to a severe angle. Dr. Ross described the submersible becoming inverted to a 45-degree angle, with the bow pointing upwards.
The movement inside the cramped confines of the submersible was anything but smooth. Dr. Ross explained the lack of restraints or handholds, stating, “there’s nothing to hold on to inside this submersible.” As the sub tilted, the occupants were thrown around. He recounted how the pilot, OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who was also aboard this dive, “crashed into the rear bulkhead.”
The other passengers experienced similar chaotic movement. “The rest of the passengers tumbled about,” Dr. Ross testified. He vividly described the positions they ended up in, saying, “I ended up standing on the rear bulkhead,” and further detailing, “One passenger was hanging upside down, and the other two managed to wedge themselves into the bow end cap.” While no one was injured in this incident, the experience was clearly distressing.
Dr. Ross characterized the situation as “uncomfortable and unpleasant.” Correcting the issue with the platform and the submersible took a considerable amount of time, by his reckoning, at least an hour. Following this unsettling incident, Dr. Ross noted that Stockton Rush was understandably “upset.” However, when asked by the panel whether there were conversations about safety or inspections of the Titan following these problems, Dr. Ross stated he was not aware or could not recall such discussions taking place.
The testimony also delved into the culture and operational practices within OceanGate, with several former employees offering critical perspectives. David Lochridge, who previously served as OceanGate’s operations director, provided powerful insights. A veteran engineer and submersible pilot who joined the company in the mid-2010s, Mr. Lochridge testified that he frequently clashed with Stockton Rush.
Mr. Lochridge felt that the core motivation behind the company’s operations was primarily financial. He stated emphatically, “The whole idea behind the company was to make money,” and added that there was “very little in the way of science.” This view contrasted sharply with the outward appearance of a pioneering exploration company.
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