Tragedy Unveiled: The True Story Behind the Titan Submarine Disaster
In a shocking revelation, two years after the tragic implosion of the Titan submarine, a clearer picture is emerging of what led to the catastrophe and why no one averted it. According to sources close to the company behind the sub, OceanGate, and investigators, the disaster was a result of a combination of factors, including a fatally flawed submersible design, carelessness, and a company culture of fear.
The incident occurred on June 18, 2023, when the Titan submarine, built by OceanGate, went missing off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, during a dive to the wreck of the Titanic. The submersible was on a mission to take five wealthy passengers and crew to a depth of 12,500 feet beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. The world was gripped by the search for the vessel and its occupants, but hopes were dashed when shredded pieces of the 22-foot sub were found on the ocean floor four days later.
The US Coast Guard inquiry, along with a new Netflix documentary, "Titan: The OceanGate Disaster," and PEOPLE’s interviews with former employees and confidants of OceanGate’s CEO, Stockton Rush, describes a culture of fear and recklessness that led to the tragedy. "It comes down to Stockton Rush. The decisions he made led to this. It was a cult of personality. If you went against him, you were likely to be out," says Mark Monroe, director of the Netflix documentary.
Rush, who was described as charismatic and visionary, believed that "the rules didn’t apply [to him]… and that there’s value in breaking them." However, as Monroe notes, "there are also rules of physics and engineering — and those apply to all of us." The investigation revealed that Rush had taken significant risks, ignoring warnings from experts and employees about the safety of the submersible.
Bonnie Carl, a former OceanGate bookkeeper, remembers the day she received a text from a friend about the incident. "My heart sank. I suspected what had happened — and who had suffered for it: ‘But I thought, ‘Jesus Christ, I don’t want to be right.’" Carl, who worked at OceanGate from 2017 to 2018, had concerns about the company’s safety protocols and culture.
When Carl was hired, she thought it was her "dream job." However, she soon realized that something was amiss. David Lochridge, a former diver in the UK Royal Navy and an expert pilot specializing in sub rescues, who joined OceanGate in 2016, shared her concerns. Lochridge was alarmed by Rush’s decision not to install underwater communication equipment and the use of glue to affix the vessel’s end caps.
Lochridge’s conflict with Rush erupted in January 2018, after he shared his concerns in an internal report. Rush was furious, and Lochridge was subsequently fired. Carl also left the company after being asked to take on the role of head pilot.
The investigation revealed that OceanGate had continued to operate the Titan submarine despite worrying signs from an onboard warning system that detected the sounds of carbon fibers popping, likely weakening the structure of the hull. The company also skirted regulation by not registering the sub with a country.
Jason Neubauer, who led the Coast Guard probe, believes that Rush could be culpable for seaman’s manslaughter. "That data was completely ignored," he says, likening the decision to a "smoking gun."
The tragedy resulted in the loss of five lives, including Rush’s. The incident has raised questions about the safety of deep-sea exploration and the accountability of company leaders. As Carl says, "I still question it every day: How could he not see this was dangerous? In my opinion, he clearly wanted fame. Stockton had his mind set. He was going to do this no matter what."
The US Coast Guard is set to release its final report on the incident this month, which is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
According to PEOPLE’s exclusive report, which was initially published in their magazine, the story behind the Titan submarine disaster is one of "a cult of personality" and a "fatally flawed submersible design." The report also highlights the concerns of former employees and confidants of Rush, who described a company culture of fear and recklessness.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and accountability in high-risk industries. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the tragedy was preventable, and that the consequences of recklessness can be devastating.
The story of the Titan submarine disaster serves as a cautionary tale for companies and individuals operating in high-risk industries. It highlights the importance of prioritizing safety, accountability, and transparency. As the investigation into the incident continues, it is clear that there are many lessons to be learned from this tragedy.
In conclusion, the Titan submarine disaster was a preventable tragedy that resulted from a combination of factors, including a fatally flawed submersible design, carelessness, and a company culture of fear. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and accountability in high-risk industries.
Source: PEOPLE.com – Titan Sub Documentary and Insiders Reveal the True Story – Exclusive
