The company that runs expeditions on the Titanic-wrecked submersible used “pressure tactics… to evade regulatory scrutiny,” according to a U.S. Coast Guard investigation.
The tragic incident in June 2023 claimed the lives of five people, including British researcher Hamish Harding, as well as members of the Dawood family – father Shahzad and son Suleiman.
The incident also killed the head of OceanGate Expeditions, Stockton Rush, and French specialist Paul-Henri Narjol.
Coast Guard officials released a 335-page document Tuesday highlighting eight “key factors” that led to the submersible's fatal hull explosion.
The report highlighted a “destructive atmosphere” within OceanGate, where staff were regularly threatened with dismissal to prevent criticism of the security system.
The researchers also found “a disturbing pattern of cover-ups and systematic disregard for safety standards.”
Particular attention is paid to the shortcomings of the design, testing of the device, and the continued operation of Titan even after “multiple incidents that compromised the integrity of the hull and other vital structural elements.”
The company's former technical director told investigators that the submarine's original hull design resembled a “school project.”
According to the case file, the contractor for OceanGate raised safety concerns with management in 2022, but was told: “You are thinking in a limited way, you lack the spirit of discovery. We are lone innovators here, and not everyone is ready for this approach.”
The US Coast Guard has released archival footage of the submersible's descent… Read more
A joint report by Chief Investigator Thomas Whalen and Marine Operations Board Chairman Jason Neubauer concluded: “For several years prior to the disaster, OceanGate deliberately manipulated its permitting, scientific activities, and image to minimize external scrutiny.”
“By skillfully exploiting gaps in legislation and the complexities of interagency cooperation, the company was able to remove Titan from the standard deep-sea exploration protocols that have traditionally ensured the safety of commercial submarines.”
“The lack of independent auditing and qualified personnel on staff during the 2023 final operations allowed OceanGate management to willfully ignore critical inspections, technical parameter reviews and scheduled maintenance, which directly led to the tragedy.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
