U.S. Coast Guard Holds Titan Submersible Hearings

The U.S. Coast Guard investigatory panel is hearing testimony about the Titan submersible, which imploded during a dive to the Titanic wreck in June 2023, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including OceanGate co-founder Stockton Rush. Fred Hagen, a mission specialist, is set to testify following revelations that the Titan experienced malfunctions shortly before its fatal dive. Former operations director David Lochridge criticized OceanGate for prioritizing profit over safety, stating, 'The whole idea behind the company was to make money.' Other testimonies highlighted numerous operational issues and malfunctions with OceanGate's submersibles, including a critical incident where a tank valve problem forced a surface mid-flight. The hearings, which began on September 16 and will continue until September 27, are examining the company's practices and the broader implications for private undersea exploration.