A former OceanGate employee has revealed disturbing insights into the company’s handling of the ill-fated Titan submersible, which tragically imploded in June 2023, claiming five lives. David Lochridge, OceanGate’s former director of marine operations, shared critical safety concerns during a US Coast Guard hearing.
OceanGate Wanted to Qualify Pilots in a Day
Lochridge exposed that OceanGate had plans to “qualify a pilot in a day”—even if the individual had no prior experience in a submersible. He described this as a “huge red flag” and pointed out that the company lacked any set training procedures for its pilots.
Safety Standards Not Met
In a shocking revelation, Lochridge stated that the Titan was the “only submersible that wasn’t fully classed” by regulatory safety agencies. He also highlighted that the vessel was operated using a PlayStation controller, which further raised concerns about the professionalism of OceanGate’s operations.
Profit Over Safety
Lochridge alleged that the company’s primary focus was financial gain rather than scientific exploration. He criticized OceanGate’s late CEO Stockton Rush and engineering director Tony Nissen for bypassing proper engineering support out of “arrogance.”
Lochridge’s Warnings Ignored
Lochridge explained how his relationship with the company deteriorated after he raised multiple safety issues. Despite informing every director at OceanGate, his warnings were brushed aside. He emphasized, “At the end of the day, safety comes first.”
Tragic Consequences
The implosion of the Titan sub resulted in the deaths of Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, French diver Paul Henry Nargeolet, and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, along with his son Suleman.
This tragic incident raises serious questions about OceanGate’s practices and the oversight of deep-sea exploration ventures.
