Titan Submersible Wreck: Inquiry Highlights Fatal Flaws

The US Coast Guard has released the first images of the Titan submersible wreck, after a catastrophic implosion last summer resulted in the deaths of all five individuals on board. The submersible's broken tail cone was discovered on the Atlantic Ocean floor by a remotely operated vehicle during a four-day search effort last June. The revelations came as part of an ongoing inquiry into the disaster. David Lockridge, a former operations director for Ocean Gate, shared insights about operational disagreements with Stockton Rush, the company's CEO. Critical testimony indicated concerns about the Titan's carbon fiber hull design, which Lockridge refused to endorse before he was let go from the company. Furthermore, it was revealed that the Titan's design and reliability were seriously questioned, with a timeline showcasing 70 deficiencies found during various test dives. One such test dive raised alarms when the sub's front dome detached a month before the fatal dive. In harsh weather, the tail cone also was dislodged. The inquiry evidences that multiple flagged issues were overlooked leading up to the implosion on June 18, 2023, which has significant implications for maritime safety and regulatory oversight in the future.