The Titan submersible, which imploded in 2023, had numerous flaws. Its design was problematic, and its maintenance was inadequate, the U.S. Coast Guard concludes in its final report. Additionally, OceanGate’s corporate culture was problematic.
The Titan imploded in the Atlantic Ocean in June 2023, resulting in the deaths of five people. The U.S. Coast Guard’s investigation report concludes that the Titan’s design was flawed. For example, the hull was made of carbon fiber, whereas steel is the norm. The certification of the vessel also went wrong. Furthermore, maintenance was not properly carried out by OceanGate.
According to the Coast Guard, the company also failed to properly investigate problems with the hull, which had already come to light in 2022, but no action was taken. This was partly due to the toxic corporate culture at OceanGate. There was intimidation in the workplace, and laws and regulations were regularly circumvented.
In addition, safety procedures at OceanGate were not in order. And the deceased CEO Stockton Rush allegedly deliberately misled his customers with exaggerated claims about the safety and indestructibility of the Titan.
OceanGate offered customers expeditions to the wreck of the Titanic, which lies at a depth of 3,800 meters. The expeditions were not cheap. Customers had to pay around $250,000 (then €228,000) in 2021 and 2022 for a trip with the submersible.
The U.S. Coast Guard says that there must be better supervision of research submersibles. The certification and inspection of such vessels must also be overhauled. Furthermore, regulations must be reviewed and tightened where necessary.