Titanic Sub’s ‘Really Loud Bang’ Dismissed by Stockton Rush

• Stockton Rush once downplayed the loud bang heard from the Titan submersible, stating that it is common for deep-sea vessels to make noise.
• Rush discussed the Titan sub and its voyages to the Titanic wreck during a conversation with the crew and passengers, as featured on an episode of BBC’s The Travel Show in 2022. Prior to the dive, Rush emphasized the experimental nature of the submersible and the inherent dangers of deep-sea diving.

OceanGate CEO, Stockton Rush, previously downplayed the significance of a loud bang heard from the Titan submersible, emphasizing that similar noises are common among deep-sea vessels.

Rush engaged in discussions with the crew and passengers about the Titan sub and its expeditions to the wreckage of the Titanic during an episode of BBC’s The Travel Show in 2022. In his address, Rush alerted the passengers to the risks involved in descending 12,500 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.

“We want everyone to be fully informed throughout this journey. This submersible is experimental, and the deep-sea environment is inherently dangerous,” Rush stated, providing an opportunity for questions and dialogue with the workers and passengers.

While recounting a story about a crew member overhearing a loud bang while the submersible was on the surface, Rush dismissed it as a minor concern. “Although not a soothing sound, it is not uncommon for almost every deep-sea submersible to make some noise at some point,” he explained.

The source of the bang remains uncertain, but former OceanGate employees and industry experts had previously voiced concerns regarding potential safety issues with the “experimental” Titan sub. These concerns included its carbon-fiber hull, adhesive detachment in ballast bags’ seams, and an easily flammable floor.

One former passenger reported issues with the sub’s thrusters, computers, and communicators, necessitating additional time and work to complete dives. However, Rush never had the Titan sub classified to determine if it met industry standards, as he prioritized pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Regrettably, the ill-fated Titan submersible collapsed during a recent voyage to explore the remains of the Titanic. All five individuals on board, including Rush, are presumed to have lost their lives.