NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Coast Guard Investigation Continues into Titan Submersible Implosion
The investigation into the tragic Titan submersible implosion is pressing on this Friday morning in North Charleston, with four key witnesses expected to testify regarding the events leading up to the incident that claimed the lives of five people. The focus remains on understanding why the Titan, a vessel built by OceanGate, failed during its expedition to the Titanic shipwreck in June 2023.
Key Testimonies Unfold
First to take the stand is Fred Hagen, a former mission specialist for OceanGate. Hagen has a background in construction rather than deep diving but was eager to explore the Titanic wreck. He participated in two dives, one of which was aborted after the Titan experienced a thruster failure and began a two-hour free fall. As they scrambled to resurface, a loud bang echoed around them. Hagen admitted, “There was nothing I could do about it. There was a level of concern, but I just thought we could figure it out and return to the surface.”
Interestingly, Hagen shared that while he never felt completely safe during his dives, he still assumed they could navigate the situation — an attitude that seemed to align with the mindset of many others involved. “Anyone that felt safe going to depths in the Titan was delusional,” he stated emphatically. He even expressed his regret that the Coast Guard did not escalate their response sooner when the ship was reported missing, saying, “We should have pursued every avenue definitively until we knew that my friends were dead.”
On the Engineering Front
The next witness, Dave Dyer, a representative from the University of Washington Applied Physics Lab, testified about the challenges faced while working with OceanGate on the Titan’s development in 2013. Dyer detailed multiple catastrophic failures encountered during pressure testing carbon-fiber models. He even highlighted the tense relationship between his team and OceanGate, saying, “OceanGate was a tough group to work with.” His doubts about the company’s capability to deliver a safe vessel returned sharply when asked about their approach after the contract’s termination in 2017.
Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny
Patrick Lahey, CEO of Triton Submarines, offered a contrasting perspective in his testimony. Lahey emphasized the importance of certified and accredited submarines for human exploration of the deep sea. He pointedly criticized OceanGate’s reliance on a carbon-fiber hull, which had been deemed controversial and unsafe, asserting, “Frankly, there was no reason you couldn’t certify.” The stark difference between his company’s success with safety protocols and OceanGate’s experimental approach became evident.
Reacting to the Tragedy
In somber reflections, Lahey remarked on the necessity of using accredited machines for such high-risk ventures, stressing, “There is no place for experimental machines in the deep sea, especially with human beings.” This sentiment resonates deeply, especially after hearing the experiences of those close to the tragic event.
Voices from Former Employees
During the hearings, Antonella Wilby, a former OceanGate contractor, voiced her concerns over the company’s operations. Having witnessed firsthand the inadequacies of their safety protocols, she voiced frustration over being silenced on serious safety issues. Exposing the culture within OceanGate, she recounted how employees with safety concerns faced pressure to remain quiet, emphasizing, “I saw theater; I saw some kind of risk matrix that never fully made sense to me.”
Looking Forward
The ongoing investigation into the Titan implosion shines a spotlight on the serious need for improved safety standards and transparency in the field of deep-sea exploration. As testimonies unfold, and investigators sift through both emotional and technical narratives, the overarching message from today’s hearings is clear: It’s essential to prioritize the safety of crew members over the thrill of exploratory adventure.
The Coast Guard’s Marine Board investigation will continue next week, with more witnesses expected to take the stand, hoping to further clarify the circumstances surrounding the deeply saddening loss of life.
