OceanGate Whistleblower Lacked ‘No Confidence’ in Titan Sub Development

The recent U.S. Coast Guard hearing into the tragic 2023 implosion of the Titan submersible revealed alarming safety concerns raised by David Lochridge, a former director of marine operations for OceanGate. During his testimony, Lochridge indicated that he had “no confidence” in the construction of the Titan, highlighting serious issues well before the catastrophic incident that claimed the lives of five individuals during a deep-sea expedition to the Titanic wreck in June 2023.

Lochridge, who was hired by OceanGate in 2015, was initially involved with the Titan’s operations but eventually found himself sidelined after expressing significant safety reservations. He described himself as a “troublemaker” within the company, known for his vocal stance on the risks associated with the submersible’s design. He specifically cited conflicts with OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who was also among those who died when the Titan imploded.

During the ongoing Coast Guard hearing, Lochridge stated that when he was asked about his confidence in the Titan’s construction in 2017, he unequivocally replied with “No confidence whatsoever.” He emphasized that his concerns were raised on numerous occasions, highlighting deficiencies in the submersible’s carbon-fiber hull. In January 2018, following a request from Rush to inspect the hull, Lochridge submitted a report detailing his findings about imperfections that he believed posed safety risks.

“At the end of the day, safety comes first,” Lochridge asserted. “Yes, you’re taking a risk going down in a submersible, but don’t take risks that are unnecessary with faulty, and I mean faulty, deficient equipment.” He elaborated on his perspective, stating that Rush tended to favor cost-cutting measures, noting that there was an overwhelming pressure to commence expeditions to the Titanic for profit as quickly as possible.

Lochridge did not delve deeply into the company’s financial matters, but he asserted that there was a strong push to expedite the project. He indicated that critical protocols were bypassed in the rush to launch the Titan.

Concerning the testing phases, Lochridge revealed that Rush wanted to perform manned tests on the first Titan prototype. In contrast, he had advocated for unmanned tests due to his apprehensions regarding the vessel’s reliability. “I knew that hull would fail,” he expressed. “It’s an absolute mess.”

Shortly after submitting his safety report in 2018, Lochridge was dismissed from his position with OceanGate. Documents reviewed suggested an irreconcilable conflict between him and Rush regarding the Titan’s hull design, ultimately leading to his termination. Lochridge noted that risking his job was a significant concern, yet he remained fervently committed to ensuring safety during submersible dives. “I wanted to go to Titanic. It was on my bucket list. I wanted to dive this, but dive it safely,” he reiterated.

After his dismissal, Lochridge contacted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in early 2018 to report his safety concerns and was subsequently included in the agency’s Whistleblower Protection Program. He expressed a deep passion for deep-sea exploration but condemned the negligence that could lead to loss of life. “I wouldn’t want to see anybody dying for the sake of going in a sub,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of safety in such ventures.

The hearing highlighted a notable safety incident concerning the Titan’s first prototype, which revealed a defect in its carbon-fiber hull in 2019. As a result, this prototype was not utilized on Titanic missions. Eventually, a second carbon-fiber hull was developed and subsequently used on the ill-fated dive in June 2023.

In the wake of the implosion, OceanGate decided to suspend all exploration and commercial activities. The hearing being conducted by the Coast Guard is earmarked to extend for two weeks, with Lochridge being the only witness scheduled to testify on the opening day.

Lochridge’s testimony also recounted a tense encounter during a 2016 dive to the Andrea Doria shipwreck. He recalled being intentionally undermined by Rush during a dangerous situation where the submersible became stuck. Lochridge successfully navigated the vehicle back to the surface after Rush reluctantly relinquished control.

From that point forward, Lochridge noted a significant drop in communication with Rush. He also criticized OceanGate’s decision to terminate its relationship with the University of Washington’s Applied Physics Laboratory in favor of in-house engineering, referring to this decision as a product of “arrogance.” He asserted that the company prioritized profit over scientific exploration, stating bluntly, “The whole idea behind the company was to make money, that’s it. There was very little in the way of science.”

These statements shed light on the culture within OceanGate leading up to the tragic events surrounding the Titan, raising vital questions about the prioritization of safety in deep-sea exploration.

Source: ABC News