Final Text from Doomed Titan Submersible Unveiled at Hearing

In a recent investigation into the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible near the wreck of the Titanic, the U.S. Coast Guard revealed some critical details about the ill-fated journey that ended on June 18, 2023. Among the final communications from the crew was the optimistic phrase “all good here,” suggesting a sense of normalcy just before disaster struck.

During the first day of hearings, the Coast Guard presented an animated visualization of the Titan’s final moments. Text messages exchanged between the Titan’s crew and personnel aboard the support ship Polar Prince showed that contact was maintained until the submersible began its final descent. The last messages exchanged discussed the Titan’s depth and weight, with Polar Prince repeatedly inquiring if the Titan could still see the ship on its onboard display. The crew’s communication faltered as the Titan continued to sink, culminating in the ill-fated response of “all good here.”

The implosion of the Titan initiated an extensive debate about the future and safety of private submersible exploration. A long-standing concern has been the condition of the Titan, which was stored unprotected from the elements for seven months prior to the incident, according to initial reports from Coast Guard representatives. Furthermore, the hull of the Titan was never subjected to a third-party review, which is typically standard procedure in such scenarios. These factors, along with the unconventional design of the vessel, drew significant scrutiny from experts in the underwater exploration community.

The ongoing Marine Board of Investigation, which is the most thorough level of inquiry conducted by the Coast Guard, is expected to span several weeks. At the conclusion of the hearings, findings and recommendations will be submitted to the commandant of the Coast Guard. Additionally, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting a separate investigation into the matter.

Jason Neubauer of the Coast Guard Office of Investigations expressed deep condolences for the families affected by the incident, emphasizing the objective of the hearing—to bring light to the causes of this tragedy and prevent such incidents from recurring.

Among the victims of the Titan implosion was Stockton Rush, co-founder of OceanGate, the company that owned the submerged vessel. Following the tragedy, OceanGate suspended its operations. The first witness to testify, former engineering director Tony Nissen, revealed he felt considerable pressure during his tenure at OceanGate to accelerate the Titan’s operational readiness. When asked if he felt rushed to launch the submersible, he did not hesitate to confirm, stating, “100%.”

The Marine Board further questioned Nissen about whether this pressure led to compromised safety decisions or testing. While he hesitated, ultimately, he affirmed that safety was not neglected. Nissen recounted a relevant incident during a test mission in 2018 when the Titan was struck by lightning, which he feared could have damaged its hull. He also stated that upon his firing in 2019, he had prevented the submersible from being deployed to the Titanic site, voicing concerns about its functionality at the time.

Despite undergoing various tests following Nissen’s departure from the company, he expressed lingering mistrust regarding the operations staff. He admitted to refusing Stockton Rush’s request to pilot the Titan, citing personal reservations about the submersible’s reliability.

Nissen described Rush as a complex individual, driven by cost considerations and project timelines, which sometimes led to friction over the project’s direction. He shared that many employees would capitulate to Rush’s demands in the workplace.

Other key witnesses are anticipated to testify throughout the investigation, including OceanGate’s former finance director and a former contractor. However, specific individuals, including Rush’s widow, Wendy Rush, will not be participating in the hearings to testify.

As legal actions unfold, the family of Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a veteran Titanic explorer and one of the victims, has filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against OceanGate. The lawsuit states that the company failed to disclose significant information regarding the submersible’s safety and operational history, referring to the Titan as a “doomed submersible.” Nargeolet, known for completing 37 dives to the Titanic over his career, was described as the world’s leading expert with the most dives to the site.

The Titan lost contact about two hours into its final dive. A large-scale search effort mobilized numerous ships and planes off the coast of Newfoundland when the submersible was reported overdue. Tragically, the wreckage of the Titan was ultimately located on the ocean floor, roughly 330 yards from the Titanic’s bow.

The timeline for the investigation, initially estimated at one year, has been extended. The Coast Guard indicated that their inquiry would examine all aspects of the Titan’s loss, including mechanical failures, regulatory compliance, and crew qualifications. The Titan had ventured to the Titanic wreck site since 2021, with operations ongoing in subsequent years.

Recent explorations revealed further deterioration of the Titanic’s wreck, with new images highlighting the decay occurring over time. RMS Titanic Inc.’s director noted that ongoing monitoring is crucial as conditions continue to change. As this investigation progresses, it remains clear that the tragedy has sparked vital discussions regarding safety and practices in private marine exploration.

Source: CBS News