scientists reveal new details on Titan submersible tragedy
- Guillermo Sohnlein, co-founder of OceanGate, is testifying before the US Coast Guard regarding the Titan submersible tragedy.
- Witnesses have raised concerns about the Titan's design and the lack of classification for deep-sea vessels.
- The hearings aim to uncover the circumstances of the Titan's implosion and may lead to changes in industry regulations.
The US Coast Guard is conducting a two-week hearing into the Titan submersible tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate. Guillermo Sohnlein, co-founder of OceanGate, is expected to testify about the company's operations and safety measures. Concerns regarding the Titan's design were raised by various witnesses, including Patrick Lahey, who emphasized the importance of vessel classification, which Rush dismissed as an impediment to innovation. Sohnlein, who left OceanGate in 2013, has defended Rush's commitment to safety despite the tragic outcome. Testimonies have revealed that safety concerns were previously voiced by former employees, including Antonella Wilby, who felt ignored after reporting issues. The hearing has also highlighted the lack of regulatory requirements for deep-sea vessels, which has led to debates about the safety standards in the industry. The Coast Guard's investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the Titan's implosion during its mission to the Titanic wreck site in June 2023. Final communications from the crew indicated that they believed everything was fine shortly before the disaster occurred. This has raised questions about the decision-making processes and the operational protocols in place at OceanGate. As the hearings continue, the testimonies are expected to provide further insights into the operational culture at OceanGate and the broader implications for deep-sea exploration safety. The outcome of this investigation may lead to changes in regulations and practices within the industry to prevent similar tragedies in the future.