All the ‘reasons’ that could have caused the OceanGate Titan sub to implode

The new Netflix documentary Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster explores what led to the tragic implosion of the Titan sub in 2023. It features interviews with people involved in the sub’s design and operations. And many warning signs about the sub’s safety were clear well before the accident. These reasons might help explain why the Titan imploded.

The problem with the carbon fibre hull

One of the main concerns was the sub’s hull. OceanGate used carbon fibre instead of the usual steel or titanium. While lighter and cheaper, carbon fibre may not hold up well under the extreme pressures at the Titanic’s depth.

Former OceanGate marine director, David Lochridge, said in 2018 that there was a “lack of non-destructive testing” on the hull. After raising concerns, he was fired, according to a lawsuit.

The hull had to be rebuilt in 2020 after tests showed signs of cyclic fatigue, meaning it was weakening from repeated use, a serious issue when diving nearly 4,000 metres deep.

Warnings from industry experts

Following Lochridge’s departure, the Marine Technology Society sent a letter warning OceanGate that ignoring industry safety standards could cause “catastrophic” results. The society’s chairman, Will Kohnen, told the New York Times that CEO Stockton Rush complained about these safety rules, saying they hindered his company’s work.

Concerns about the sub’s design

via Netflix

The Titan’s design raised further concerns. CBS reporter David Pogue described parts of it as “MacGyver-y,” pointing to the use of a wireless PlayStation controller to pilot the sub.

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Passengers also noticed unusual features like rusty pipes used to control buoyancy. German adventurer Arthur Loibl recalled a broken part fixed with zip ties, calling the dive “a suicide mission back then.”

Another passenger, Chris Brown, dropped out of the 2023 trip because he feared OceanGate was “cutting too many corners,” according to The Sun.

Signs of mechanical problems

In 2019, during a dive near the Bahamas, passenger Karl Stanley heard cracking noises, which he believed were hull failures. He warned Rush by email to halt further dives, but no action was taken.

In 2022, Titan’s pilot Scott Griffith lost control during a dive, telling passengers, “There’s something wrong with my thrusters.” The sub spun uncontrollably.

Refusal to follow safety regulations

Most deep-sea subs undergo strict marine certification to ensure safety. Titan did not. Consultant Rob McCallum advised Rush to certify the sub, but Rush refused, preferring to avoid regulation. McCallum eventually stopped working with OceanGate. When asked about the safety of riding in Titan, McCallum warned, “Never get in an unclassed sub. I wouldn’t do it, and you shouldn’t either.”

Use of student interns for critical systems

OceanGate relied on student interns from Washington State University to design key electrical parts. Former intern Mark Walsh said their system “works,” but this may not have met professional standards.

Problems just before the final dive

via Netflix

Days before the fatal dive, YouTuber Jake Koehler was set to ride Titan but had to cancel after weather issues and because a ghost net damaged the sub.

Rush also mentioned the sub’s motor controllers were “not consistently communicating,” indicating technical problems.

So, why did the Titan sub implode?

The Titan was not built to safely withstand the pressures of its mission. CEO Stockton Rush ignored warnings, avoided proper safety checks, used risky materials, and openly admitted to breaking rules. In an interview with YouTuber Alan Estrada, Rush admitted to “breaking rules” to build Titan, believing his engineering justified it. These factors combined could have caused the disaster.

The U.S. Coast Guard continues to investigate.

For more like this, like The Tab on Facebook. Featured image via Netflix/OceanGate.