CBS reporter David Pogue embarked on a daring adventure last year when he dove into the Titan submersible to explore the continental shelf. However, his journey was cut short due to strict safety protocols. Pogue reflected on the aftermath of the recent implosion of Titan, describing it as one of the most challenging weeks of his life. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Pogue, who joined an OceanGate expedition in 2022 for a “CBS Sunday Morning” report on the Titan submersible’s voyages.
Although Pogue did not personally dive to the Titanic wreck, he spent around five hours in the submersible en route to the North Atlantic continental shelf. Unfortunately, the trip had to be halted due to safety concerns. While at the time Pogue viewed the waiver indicating the potential risks as mere legalese, he now realizes the importance of hindsight. Despite conducting thorough research and receiving approval from renowned Titanic expert P.H. Nargeolet, Pogue felt confident in the expedition’s safety measures.
As a host for “Nova” and an adventurous individual who has experienced activities such as hang gliding and swimming with sharks, Pogue has always trusted the organizations behind these endeavors to prioritize safety. The same level of trust was extended to OceanGate, who invited him hoping for favorable publicity. It never occurred to Pogue that they would deliberately compromise his safety. As it turns out, the Titan submersible had undergone extensive testing prior to any customer or Pogue’s participation.
Pogue clarifies that the implosion of the Titan submersible had nothing to do with the talk surrounding the game controller used during the dive. Contrary to misplaced speculation, the controller’s functionality was not the cause of the incident. Pogue further describes how the interior of the submersible could comfortably accommodate five passengers, emphasizing the comparative ease with which he signed the waiver before the journey.
Prior to embarking on the dive, Pogue was aware that the Titan submersible had successfully reached the Titanic depths on numerous occasions without incident. Therefore, he had no reason to believe there was any inherent danger. While there was a safety culture established where any issues called for a stop in operations, OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush had a penchant for pushing boundaries. Pogue recounts an incident where the launch had to be scrubbed due to two untied buoys, highlighting the commitment to safety even if it seemed unnecessary at the time.
Despite the setbacks, the Titan submersible operated multiple expeditions per year, with attempts to reach the Titanic wreck when conditions permitted. Pogue’s conversations with Rush offered insight into his risk-taking mindset, leading to his statement about the effectiveness of safety measures. While Rush’s remarks may not have aged well, sharing their transcripts aimed to provide a more nuanced understanding of the situation. The story is complex and involves various components that reasonable individuals should consider.
Pogue admits that the recent events have been incredibly challenging for him. While media appearances have kept him busy, he acknowledges the complexity of his emotions. There is anger stemming from a potential sense of being misled, alongside overwhelming gratitude for surviving the incident. He also mentions experiencing survivor’s guilt. However, his family and friends have been a tremendous source of support during this difficult time. Pogue describes an emotionally charged moment with his wife, highlighting the relief and gratitude surrounding his survival. Ultimately, he acknowledges the inherent danger involved in such endeavors and expresses a sense of having played a dangerous game and emerged unscathed.
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