Earlier this week, a report from the U.S. Coast Guard indicated that the tragic incident involving the deep-sea Titan submersible, which occurred on June 18, 2023, could have been avoided. The United States Coast Guard’s findings highlighted that safety concerns and calls for independent inspections and certification of the submersible were not heeded by OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who was one of the casualties when the submersible imploded near the Titanic wreck site, approximately four kilometers below the North Atlantic’s surface.
The investigation also revealed that safety protocols at OceanGate, a Washington-based private company, were severely deficient, with significant disparities between prescribed safety measures and actual operational practices. Additionally, it was disclosed that in May 2021, Canada’s Fisheries Department had expressed support for OceanGate, indicating a desire to collaborate for scientific research on submersibles.
The Fisheries Department clarified that in the summer of 2021, one of its staff members had participated as an observer during a mission associated with OceanGate off Newfoundland. However, following the mission, it was determined that OceanGate’s objectives did not align with the department’s scientific goals, leading to the termination of any further collaboration. The department emphasized that submersible safety does not fall under its jurisdiction.
Regarding the potential partnership with OceanGate, the department confirmed discussions about the involvement of a staff member in an expedition to the Titanic, located nearly 700 kilometers south of Newfoundland, although this never materialized. Despite an initial letter of support in 2021, investigations by both the U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian authorities found no concrete evidence of collaboration or financial support between the agencies and OceanGate.
The tragic incident not only claimed the lives of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush but also French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, British adventurer Hamish Harding, and two members of a prominent Pakistani family, Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada disclosed that its investigation report was completed and under review in June.
It remains unclear why the relationship with OceanGate was terminated and why details of the collaboration on another vessel were not initially disclosed, with the Fisheries Department only providing additional information upon further inquiry.