Submersible Company Warned of “Catastrophic” Safety Problems Before Titanic Dive
Court documents reveal that the company managing the submersible that disappeared during a tourist dive to the wreck of the Titanic had been warned multiple times about potential “catastrophic” safety issues. The submersible, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, went missing in the North Atlantic with five people on board, and a search operation is currently underway.
According to an engineering report filed in a federal district court in Seattle in 2018, David Lochridge, OceanGate’s director of maritime operations, raised concerns about the vessel’s safety. Lochridge stated that further testing was needed and that passengers could be endangered at “extreme depths.” OceanGate later sued Lochridge for breaching a nondisclosure agreement, while he countersued, claiming he was fired for raising safety concerns. The case was settled privately, and the terms were not disclosed.
Lochridge’s concerns centered around the company’s decision to rely on sensitive acoustic monitoring for failure detection, rather than a hull scan. He argued that this method would only identify impending failures moments before an implosion, rather than detecting existing failures before the hull was subjected to pressure.
Additionally, Lochridge pointed out that the submersible’s passenger window was only certified for depths up to 4,265 feet (1,300 meters), while the vehicle was designed to reach depths of 12,123 feet (4,000 meters). OceanGate allegedly refused to pay the manufacturer to produce a window certified for 4,000 meters, potentially subjecting passengers to extreme danger.
OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush defended the company’s strategy, stating that a prototype had been taken down to 4,000 meters and made disturbing noises. The company then built a new hull with an aerospace supplier after scrapping the previous one built by a marine manufacturer.
In 2018, the Marine Technology Society, a professional group of ocean educators, policymakers, technologists, and engineers, warned OceanGate about the potential negative consequences of its experimental strategy. The society urged the company to conduct tests supervised by a non-company expert to ensure passenger safety. However, OceanGate’s CEO refused to comply with the recommendation.
The missing submersible, completed in 2020-21, is not the same vehicle mentioned in the lawsuit, according to a company spokesperson. The search for the submersible is ongoing, and a Canadian aircraft recently detected underwater noises, providing a glimmer of hope in the search efforts.
The case highlights the delicate balance between innovation and safety in the commercial submersible industry. While industry regulations have ensured safety for over 35 years without any casualties, some argue that these rules have stifled innovation. The outcome of the ongoing search and investigation into the submersible’s disappearance will likely have implications for the industry as a whole.
Why did OceanGate ignore or silence the concerns raised by individuals within the company regarding the safety of the submersible, as well as the warnings from an independent marine engineering consultant
Not be sufficient to detect potential structural issues that could lead to catastrophic failures. Lochridge also questioned the company’s decision to use an older submersible for the Titanic dive, arguing that it was not properly equipped for the task.
In addition to Lochridge’s warnings, court documents also revealed that OceanGate had received letters from an independent marine engineering consultant, expressing concerns about the safety of the submersible. The consultant warned that the vessel’s emergency systems were not adequately tested or maintained, increasing the risk of a serious incident.
These revelations raise serious questions about the company’s safety practices and decision-making leading up to the ill-fated Titanic dive. It appears that multiple individuals within OceanGate had voiced concerns about the submersible’s safety, only to be ignored or even silenced through legal actions. The fact that these warnings were not taken seriously and appropriate action was not taken is deeply troubling.
The disappearance of the submersible and the ongoing search for its wreckage should serve as a wake-up call for the submersible industry as a whole. Safety must be the top priority when conducting deep-sea expeditions, especially when transporting tourists. The risks involved in such ventures are significant, and companies must not overlook potential dangers in their pursuit of profit or excitement.
It is now imperative that regulators thoroughly investigate the safety practices of OceanGate Expeditions and hold the company accountable for any negligence or shortcomings. Additionally, the industry as a whole should reevaluate its safety protocols and implement stricter regulations to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
The tragedy of the submersible’s disappearance should not be in vain. It is a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in deep-sea exploration and the need for utmost caution. Lessons must be learned, and action must be taken to prevent such avoidable mishaps from happening again.
It is concerning to hear about the safety issues surrounding the submersible used in the Titanic dive. It is crucial for the team to address these warnings and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
This article highlights the crucial need to prioritize safety while exploring the Titanic. Heightened attention and necessary precautions must be taken to avoid any potential safety issues during the submersible dive.