Coast Guard Report Reveals Titan Submersible Tragedy Could Have Been Avoided, Blaming CEO for Failures

Two years after a devastating implosion of the Titan submersible, a new report by the U.S. Coast Guard has shocked the world, revealing that the incident should never have occurred. This tragedy off the coast of Newfoundland led to the deaths of five people, including Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate, who piloted the vessel.

According to Jason Neubauer, Chair of the Titan Marine Board Investigation, the loss of lives was preventable. The detailed investigation uncovered several factors contributing to the disaster, including ignored safety warnings and negligence on Rush’s part. Notably, investigators stated that Rush likely would have faced criminal charges had he survived.

The report highlighted issues with Titan’s design. The submersible was constructed with a less durable carbon fiber rather than a stronger steel alloy, raising questions about its safety. Furthermore, the vessel lacked proper certification and maintenance, which critics claim reflects a toxic work culture at OceanGate. Following the incident, the company has ceased operations and is cooperating with ongoing investigations.

Interestingly, the findings align with testimonies from former OceanGate employees who described a culture of prioritizing profits over safety. One engineer, David Lochridge, warned Rush a decade ago about the risks involved with the Titan’s design. He expressed that it was only a matter of time before something went wrong, adding that he was fired for voicing his concerns.

Several other witnesses also reported alarming experiences with Titan. One former scientific director recounted a harrowing dive where passengers were violently thrown around due to a malfunction. Additionally, divers reported hearing unsettling “crackling sounds” during previous expeditions, yet these warning signs were ignored as tickets for dives reached up to $250,000 each.

On June 18, 2023, the world held its breath as search teams scoured the depths for Titan after it lost connection with its support ship. Instead of finding survivors, they found wreckage and later recovered human remains from the site.

The passengers included renowned explorers like Paul-Henri Nargeolet and Hamish Harding, along with two members of a notable Pakistani family. Their tragic deaths have sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter regulations in deep-sea exploration.

The Coast Guard has presented safety recommendations aimed at enhancing oversight within the submersible industry. These findings will be reviewed by the Coast Guard Commandant for further action. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks involved in deep-sea tourism and the importance of prioritizing human life over profit.

For further details on this investigation, you can check the full report from the U.S. Coast Guard [here](https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4265651/coast-guard-marine-board-of-investigation-releases-report-on-titan-submersible/).

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