Key Points:
- OceanGate’s Titan sub experienced malfunctions days before its fatal dive.
- Passengers were thrown about in the sub, raising concerns about safety.
- It is unclear whether the hull was inspected after this incident.
- Mission specialist Renata Rojas recalled passengers being in good spirits before their final dive.
- Communications with the sub were lost shortly after its descent, prompting concerns.
- Previous incidents with the sub’s design, including a dome failure in 2021, were discussed.
- The inquiry into the implosion may influence future safety protocols in deep-sea exploration.
Malfunctions Plagued Titan Submersible Days Before Tragic Dive, Inquiry Hears
OceanGate Science Chief Reveals Pre-Implosion Incident
The Titan submersible, which tragically imploded during a voyage to the wreck of the Titanic in June 2023, had experienced serious malfunctions just days before its final dive, according to Steven Ross, the science chief of OceanGate. Ross testified at a US Coast Guard inquiry, providing new details about issues that surfaced before the catastrophic event that claimed the lives of all five on board.
During the testimony, Ross revealed that a mechanical problem caused the Titan to “tumble about” underwater, leading passengers to be thrown against the bulkheads. In a particularly harrowing moment, one passenger was left hanging upside down, while others struggled to stabilize themselves within the submersible. This incident occurred just days before the ill-fated dive, yet Ross said he was unsure whether the sub’s hull had been inspected for damage following the malfunction.
Ross also testified that it took more than an hour for the support crew to retrieve the sub from the water after the incident. Despite this significant delay, no conclusive evidence was presented to suggest that any thorough investigation into potential damage to the sub’s structure took place.
Support Vessel Specialist Describes Crew’s Final Moments
Earlier in the inquiry, Renata Rojas, a mission specialist aboard the sub’s surface support vessel, recalled the last moments before the Titan descended on its fatal journey. According to Rojas, the crew appeared to be in good spirits before they began their dive. “I saw five people smiling on the way to their journey,” she testified, adding that everything was “working very smoothly” prior to the descent.
However, once communication was lost, the situation became increasingly concerning. Rojas said that she initially didn’t panic, as protocol suggested waiting an hour in case the passengers were spending additional time exploring the Titanic wreckage. However, as time went on and the sub failed to resurface, the mood shifted. “We went into ‘go mode’,” Rojas said, recalling how discussions began about contacting the coast guard and initiating rescue operations.
Rojas testified that the Titan had 96 hours of life support onboard, giving the team some hope for a rescue if the sub had simply become stuck on the ocean floor. Despite the theoretical options, including releasing the legs of the sub to make it buoyant, there was little that could have been done if the sub’s hull had indeed failed, as it did.
Concerns Over Safety and Maintenance Raised in Inquiry
The inquiry into the Titan’s implosion has focused heavily on the safety and design of the submersible, as well as the materials used in its construction. Rojas recounted her experience during a 2021 expedition with the Titan, during which the dome of the sub fell off while being retrieved from the water. She described how the forces exerted on the sub’s front platform sheared the clamps holding the dome in place, causing it to detach. Following that incident, OceanGate increased the number of bolts on the dome from two or four to 18 for subsequent missions.
Despite these alarming incidents, Rojas said that she never felt unsafe during her dives with OceanGate. “I found them to be very transparent about everything,” she told the inquiry. “I knew the risk and still decided to go.”
Future of Deep-Sea Exploration Under Scrutiny
The Titan’s implosion has sparked significant debate over safety standards in deep-sea exploration. Questions continue to arise regarding the oversight of private ventures in extreme environments. The ongoing inquiry aims to determine whether the necessary precautions were taken in the design, maintenance, and operation of the Titan.
The US Coast Guard’s investigation is expected to last two weeks, with further testimony anticipated from key figures involved in the operation of the ill-fated mission. The results of this inquiry could have far-reaching implications for the future of submersible travel and deep-sea exploration as a whole.