Titan Submersible Malfunction Prior to Fatal Dive

In the lead-up to the tragic incident on June 18, 2023, multiple witnesses testified about problems that suggested a lack of adequate safety measures and oversight within OceanGate. Steven Ross, the scientific director, recounted an incident where the submersible had to abort a dive due to a malfunction, leaving passengers in uncomfortable positions for an extended period. Former operations director David Lochridge highlighted his concerns about the vessel’s safety and the company’s focus on profit over scientific rigor. He stated that if his complaints had been properly investigated, the tragedy could have potentially been avoided. The U.S. Coast Guard is currently conducting hearings to investigate these safety concerns and to understand the circumstances leading to the implosion that claimed the lives of all five individuals aboard.

Key Malfunctions Prior to the Dive

• Valve Malfunction: The Titan had to abort a dive due to a valve issue, which led to at least one passenger hanging upside down and caused significant discomfort.
• Platform Issues: Just days before the fatal dive, the submersible experienced a platform malfunction, resulting in passengers tumbling about inside the vessel.

Testimonies Highlighting Safety Concerns

• Steven Ross: Described the chaotic conditions during the aborted dive and noted that the pilot, Stockton Rush, crashed into the bulkhead during the incident.
• David Lochridge: Expressed disappointment over the lack of action from regulatory bodies regarding his safety complaints and criticized the company’s prioritization of profit over safety.

Investigative Hearings

The ongoing U.S. Coast Guard hearings aim to uncover the root causes of the Titan’s implosion and evaluate whether proper safety protocols were followed. The testimonies from former employees and the revelations about the submersible’s malfunctions have drawn significant attention to the operational practices at OceanGate, prompting discussions about the future of private undersea exploration and safety standards in the industry.