The tragic incident involving the missing Titan submersible and the presumed death of its five passengers has raised concerns about safety practices implemented by OceanGate, the company responsible for the sub’s operation. Several mistakes were made leading up to the fatal mission, and experts have pointed out significant red flags concerning the sub’s safety. Here are the five key mistakes made by OceanGate:
1. Unconventional Hull Material: The Titan submersible had a hull made of carbon fiber, which deviated from the typical use of stronger materials such as steel or titanium. While carbon fiber is lighter and more cost-effective, it lacks strength in compression, as noted by film director and deep-dive expert James Cameron. OceanGate had been cautioned about the safety risks associated with carbon fiber by a former employee. Despite breaking conventional rules, OceanGate stood by its engineering decisions.
2. Ignored Concerns about Early-Warning System: OceanGate boasted an advanced acoustic monitoring system designed to detect hull failures in time to prevent disasters. However, a former employee expressed doubts about the system’s effectiveness, stating that it would provide only seconds of warning before a catastrophic implosion. The company disregarded suggestions for non-destructive testing on the hull to ensure passenger and crew safety.
3. Resistance to Certification: OceanGate pushed back against calls for certification of the sub, claiming it was unnecessary. Journalist David Pogue, who boarded the Titan, revealed that he signed a waiver acknowledging the vessel’s lack of approval or certification from any regulatory body. The company’s approach to certification was questioned by the Marine Technology Society, as it appeared they did not follow industry standards.
4. Dismissal of Safety Concerns: OceanGate ignored or dismissed safety concerns raised by its staff. After an employee filed a safety report, he was promptly fired and accused of sharing confidential information. This led to a lawsuit alleging retaliation and fraud. Another former consultant also left the company due to concerns over rushed production and over-promising by the CEO.
5. Previous Safety Incidents: OceanGate had experienced previous safety incidents with its submersibles. Battery issues during a 2021 trip led to manual attachment to the lifting platform, and on another occasion, the submersible got lost for several hours. The lack of an emergency location transmitter (ELT) further raised concerns about the sub’s safety measures.
These mistakes highlight the need for improved safety protocols and adherence to industry standards in submersible operations. OceanGate’s actions and decisions before the fatal mission warrant a thorough investigation to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
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