September 23rd 2024.
According to a recently released transcript, there was a heated argument regarding safety concerns between the CEO and captain of the Titan sub before its fatal journey. During a meeting with key OceanGate members, Stockton Rush and former director of marine operations David Lochridge clashed over safety issues. Mr. Lochridge expressed his concerns, to which Mr. Rush responded with determination, stating, "No one is dying under my watch." This exchange took place in January, and the transcript was later made public as part of the US Coast Guard's investigation into the sub's implosion in June 2023 during its voyage to the Titanic shipwreck, as reported by the BBC.
Sadly, the tragedy claimed the lives of five individuals, including Mr. Rush. Among the deceased were British adventurer Hamish Harding, father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, and French national Paul-Henri Nargeolet. Following these deaths, OceanGate halted all operations, raising concerns about the submersible's safety and design. Mr. Lochridge, who testified at the inquiry last week, mentioned that he was summoned to the meeting after compiling a "quality inspection report." According to the former director, he discovered significant issues with the vessel's design and testing methods.
During the meeting, Mr. Lochridge voiced his concerns, stating, "I am addressing what I view as safety concerns, concerns I have mentioned verbally... which have been dismissed by everybody." In response, Mr. Rush spoke about his own personal risk assessment and assured everyone that he was aware of the possible dangers. He stated, "I've got a nice granddaughter. I am going to be around. I understand this kind of risk, and I'm going into it with eyes open and I think this is one of the safest things I will ever do."
In a shocking revelation, it was also discovered that the Titan hull had never undergone third-party safety checks. Additionally, the sub was left exposed to the elements for seven months while in storage in 2022 and 2023. This information was shared during the inquiry by Coast Guard officials. In another testimony, Bonnie Carl, an employee at OceanGate, admitted that there were a few things that raised concerns for her. When asked specifically about safety, she mentioned that the engineering director had refused to share paperwork regarding the sub's acrylic dome and that the O ring groove looked "odd" to her, drawing a comparison to a scuba diver.
Mr. Lochridge was fired shortly after the heated meeting, but he took his concerns to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. However, he claims that the agency was slow to take action, and he was eventually pressured by OceanGate's lawyers to drop the case. The tragic incident and subsequent revelations have raised questions about the company's safety practices and procedures. As the inquiry continues, many are left wondering if this could have been avoided and who is ultimately responsible for the loss of lives.
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