Report Reveals Reasons Behind the "Titan" Submarine Explosion Incident Two Years Ago

SadaNews - A report issued by the U.S. Coast Guard revealed that the 2023 disaster involving the explosion of the tourist submarine "Titan", which claimed the lives of five people, was the result of "catastrophic negligence", insufficient safety practices, and neglect of oversight, arising from the "toxic" environment within the operating company, "Oceangate".

The shocking report, which spans over 300 pages following two years of investigations, described the incident as a "preventable tragedy", holding the company and its leadership accountable for a systematic failure in all aspects of the design, operation, and maintenance of the submarine.

The "Titan" was on a commercial exploratory mission to the wreckage of the "Titanic" in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean when it lost contact, in an incident that grabbed global media attention for several days, before it was revealed that the submarine exploded under the pressures of the depths, resulting in the deaths of all those aboard.

Jason Nopyoor, chairman of the Coast Guard's investigative board, stated, "This maritime disaster and the loss of five lives could have been completely avoided," according to The Guardian.

Culture of Intimidation and Manipulation of Facts

The investigation revealed that the late CEO of Oceangate, Stockton Rush, who was among the victims, adopted an authoritarian style within the company, repeatedly threatening employees, ridiculing them, and going so far as to fire them when they raised safety concerns.

The report indicated that the company deliberately misled regulatory bodies, using its scientific reputation as "cover to bypass regulations", by reducing approved engineering procedures and fabricating some data.

The report also stated that the "Titan" submarine suffered additional damage when it was stored outdoors during the Canadian winter of 2023, where it faced repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, leading to deterioration of its exterior structure.

If He Survived... He Would Be Held Accountable

The report said that Rush displayed gross negligence that contributed to the deaths of four others, and had he survived the incident, he likely would have faced criminal charges from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Among the victims were also French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, British businessman Hamish Harding, and British-Pakistani billionaire Shahzada Dawood along with his son Suleiman (19 years old).

Calls for Accountability and Change

In a statement, Dawood's family said that the report "does not change the tragic outcome, nor does it fill the huge void left by our family members", but emphasized that "accountability and amending laws must follow this tragedy".

The family added: "If the legacy of Shahzada and Suleiman contributes to bringing about change that saves lives in the future, that will give us some peace".

Similarly, Nargeolet's family is still pursuing the company in court for damages exceeding $50 million, accusing it of concealing sensitive information about the submarine's history and integrity.