OceanGate Co-Founder Advocates Deep Sea Exploration

During Coast Guard hearings on the Titan submersible's implosion, OceanGate co-founder Guillermo Sohnlein emphasized that the company's ultimate goal was to enhance humanity's access to the deep ocean rather than solely focusing on profit. Sohnlein testified that they aimed to create a fleet of lightweight, cost-effective submersibles that could reach depths of 6,000 meters, designed without a dedicated mothership to reduce expenses. He defended the use of carbon fiber in the Titan's construction, noting it was not a novel idea but a practical choice given the requirements they faced. Sohnlein expressed hope that the Titan disaster would inspire renewed interest in deep ocean exploration, insisting that it should not mark the end of such endeavors. He also revealed that he declined opportunities to dive in Titan due to not wanting to take space from paying customers. The hearings are part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the June 2023 tragedy that resulted in the death of Stockton Rush and four others.