Investigations Continue in North Charleston into Titan Submersible Implosion
North Charleston, S.C. is in the spotlight as a Coast Guard Marine Board Investigation unfolds, seeking the truth behind the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible that took the lives of five people last June. The testimony began on Monday, shedding light on the events leading up to that fateful dive.
Building a Dream
Among the witnesses was businessman Guillermo Sohnlein, who played a key role in the founding of OceanGate alongside Stockton Rush, one of the passengers who tragically lost their life. Sohnlein shared his vision of creating a fleet of deep-diving submersibles meant to take people 6,500 yards deep into the ocean. “We wanted to give humanity greater access to the ocean, specifically the deep ocean,” he explained.
To achieve this, the pair quickly learned that their goal wouldn’t fit into the business models of existing companies. Sohnlein recounted how they decided to construct their own submersibles and opted for carbon fiber to help cut costs. Although he left the company in 2013 due to a shift towards engineering rather than operations, he remained a supporter of OceanGate’s mission.
“I hope that someday in the near future, we’ll look back on this time as a major turning point in human history,” Sohnlein remarked, expressing his hope that society would take a keener interest in ocean exploration and preservation.
Insights from Engineering Experts
Another voice in the proceedings came from Roy Thomas, a senior principal engineer with the American Bureau of Shipping. He provided insight into the structure of the Titan, specifically its pressure hull, which included carbon fiber. Thomas warned that when overloaded, carbon fiber can “fail catastrophically without warning.”
Next up was Phil Brooks, the former engineering director for OceanGate. He revealed that the company conducted several third-scale model tests before the Titan’s dives, but none were successful. Some tests even ended with alarming incidents, like loud bangs at deeper depths. Brooks admitted to a lack of engineering experience, sparking concerns that had escalated to the point of his departure in February 2023. He expressed that safety was becoming compromised due to economic stress within OceanGate.
Brooks spoke candidly about his concerns surrounding safety measures, particularly during the installation of components that could risk the integrity of safety sensors. Despite raising red flags, he felt no changes were made. “I felt that the safety was being compromised way too much,” he stated.
Reflections on a Tragedy
Throughout the testimonies, a sincere acknowledgment of the five lives lost resonated deeply. “This was not supposed to happen,” Sohnlein reflected, adding that the loss affected countless families. His sentiments were echoed by Brooks, who lamented the tragic turn of events. “Five people shouldn’t have lost their lives,” he said, voicing uncertainty about whether the full truth behind the incidents leading up to the implosion will ever be revealed.
As the investigation enters its second week, the focus remains on uncovering what went wrong during the Titan’s ill-fated journey to the wreckage of the RMS Titanic. This incident has raised serious questions, with earlier testimonies hinting at ignored warning signs and questionable safety practices.
Other testimonies have revealed various issues experienced by passengers on prior dives, including mechanical problems that led to aborted missions. Fred Hagen, a paying passenger from 2021, described a harrowing experience where the Titan “started experiencing mechanical problems,” pointing out that diving came with inherent risks. “Anyone that wanted to go was either delusional or embracing the risk,” he remarked candidly.
The discussions have brought forward a mix of emotions, from grieving for those lost to questioning the operations of OceanGate and its leadership. As the investigation continues, so does the desire for answers, clarity, and the hope that this tragedy can lead to meaningful reforms in deep-sea exploration.
The hearings are expected to continue until the end of this week, with more witnesses set to share their experiences and insights about the Titan and its operations. It remains a somber reminder of the thin line between adventure and safety in the pursuit of knowledge and exploration.
