An ill-fated expedition to explore the remains of the Titanic in the deep sea has brought attention to the safety concerns surrounding OceanGate, the company behind the venture. A small underwater vehicle carrying five individuals, including prominent figures like British businessman Hamish Harding and Pakistani billionaire Shahzada Dawood, went missing during the journey. The incident has raised questions about the safety measures employed by OceanGate and the risks associated with deep-sea tourism.
The trip, organized by OceanGate Expeditions, offered a unique opportunity for adventure seekers to visit the iconic wreckage of the Titanic. Priced at $250,000 per person, it promised an eight-day journey starting from Newfoundland and covering a distance of 400 nautical miles to the wreck site off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
However, tragedy struck when the submersible, named Titan, lost contact with its support ship during the descent to the wreck. The passengers on board had only limited oxygen supply, raising concerns about their survival. Despite extensive search efforts, the submersible and its occupants remain unaccounted for.
The incident has reignited discussions about the safety standards maintained by OceanGate. Former employees have come forward with alarming claims, expressing doubts about the thickness of the Titan’s hull and suggesting potential safety issues. Conflicting information has also emerged regarding the vessel’s engineering and testing, with allegations of discrepancies and denials from involved parties.
Industry leaders have expressed reservations about OceanGate’s approach to deep-sea exploration, citing an “experimental” nature and potential negative consequences for the industry. In a letter addressed to OceanGate’s CEO, the Manned Underwater Vehicles committee of the Marine Technology Society highlighted concerns about the expedition’s risks.
Prior to the ill-fated journey, OceanGate had presented passengers with a contract explicitly acknowledging the potential hazards involved. The contract emphasized that the expedition was not certified or approved by any regulatory body, and participants assumed the risks of physical injury, disability, motion trauma, or even death.
Various warning signs had been raised regarding potential issues with OceanGate’s Titan submarine. A former employee, David Lochridge, filed a lawsuit alleging safety concerns and claiming that he was terminated for insisting on proper testing and evaluation. An industry letter in 2018 echoed these concerns, advocating for external evaluation and stressing the importance of safety measures in submersibles.
OceanGate has defended its decision not to seek external evaluation, arguing that operational risks outweigh mechanical failures and that maintaining high-level operational safety is crucial. The company has highlighted the need for constant effort and a strong corporate culture to ensure safety during expeditions.
While the investigation into the missing submersible and its passengers continues, the incident has brought the spotlight onto the safety practices of OceanGate and the wider deep-sea tourism industry. It serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in venturing into the depths of the ocean and the importance of stringent safety protocols to protect the lives of explorers and enthusiasts alike.
