"Key Findings from Titan Submersible Hearings: Final Messages, Warnings, and New Wreckage Footage"

The US Coast Guard has conducted a week of hearings investigating the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible last June, which resulted in the deaths of all five individuals aboard. These sessions aim to uncover the causes behind the disaster and propose safety recommendations for future deep-sea explorations.

The Titan, operated by OceanGate, imploded less than two hours into its descent toward the Titanic wreck site, raising significant concerns regarding the submersible’s safety, design, and construction materials. Here are five key takeaways from the hearings:

1. Final Words of the Crew: “All Good Here”
   Investigators revealed one of the last messages from the Titan before it lost contact: “All good here.” Communications were intermittent during the descent, with the last message sent from a depth of 3,346 meters indicating that the crew had dropped two weights. Shortly after, communication ceased.
2. Witness Remembers the Crew’s Last Moments: “Five People Smiling”
   Mission specialist Renata Rojas, who volunteered for the expedition, recalled seeing “five people smiling” just before they boarded the Titan. She expressed concern when communication was lost, reflecting on her prior experiences with OceanGate and acknowledging the risks involved, though she never felt unsafe.
3. Whistleblower Claims Tragedy Was “Inevitable”
   David Lochridge, former operations director at OceanGate, testified that he warned about safety issues before his termination in 2018. He stated that he believed the Titan’s incident was “inevitable,” citing the company’s disregard for standard safety protocols and his concerns regarding the submersible’s carbon fiber construction.
4. New Footage of Titan Wreckage Released
   The US Coast Guard shared new footage of the Titan wreckage on the ocean floor, revealing the submersible’s recognizable logo amid scattered debris. A remotely operated vehicle captured the video, showcasing parts of the vessel, including its tail and various electronics.
5. Industry Expert: Titan Was “Not Ready for Primetime”
   Patrick Lahey, co-founder of Triton, a leading submersible manufacturer, expressed his lack of confidence in the Titan’s design during his testimony. He emphasized the importance of certification and thorough safety assessments for submersibles, stating that there was no reason Titan couldn’t have been certified and calling its construction “amateur-ish.”

These hearings aim to shed light on the circumstances leading to the Titan’s tragedy and ensure that future deep-sea voyages are conducted with enhanced safety measures.