The Titan sub disaster that killed five people in 2023 was avoidable, according to a new report by the U.S. Coast Guard. The investigation, led by the Marine Board of Investigation, found serious flaws in the sub’s design, safety procedures, and workplace culture.
The Titan submersible lost contact during a tourist dive to the Titanic wreck site. A four-day search ended with the discovery of its wreckage 1,600 feet from the Titanic’s bow. OceanGate, the company behind the expedition, halted all operations soon after the tragedy.
The Coast Guard’s 300-page report said OceanGate failed in its responsibility to ensure safety. The design, testing, and maintenance of the submersible were below acceptable standards. Investigators also found that the company ignored warnings and used pressure tactics to avoid safety rules.
Captain Jason Neubauer, who led the investigation, said the disaster was preventable. He called for tighter oversight, especially for companies using experimental technology outside current regulations.
The report also revealed OceanGate stored the Titan improperly before its last dive. They also failed to act on issues found during a 2022 expedition. The real-time monitoring system showed signs of trouble, but those warnings were overlooked.
The investigation cited a toxic workplace culture and a lack of response to whistleblower concerns. A 2018 safety complaint to OSHA was not fully investigated, which the board called a missed chance for early action.
Family members of the victims supported the findings. Chloe Nargeolet, daughter of victim Paul-Henri Nargeolet, said the disaster “was not random or bad luck.” She added that the OceanGate CEO failed to protect those onboard.
OceanGate, in a brief statement, extended condolences to the families and said it had cooperated fully with the investigation.
The report has renewed global calls for stronger regulation in deep-sea tourism and experimental vessels.
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