Beginnings of Titan Submersible Hearing Spark Questions about Error Sources

The Titan submersible, carrying five passengers, including the CEO and pilot, French mariner, two businessmen, and a teenage boy, imploded while searching for the Titanic wreck in the North Atlantic Ocean. The U.S. Coast Guard has started an investigation hearing to determine the cause of the disaster. Several aspects will be examined, including the history, crew qualifications, mechanical systems, and industry standards. Witnesses from OceanGate, the company that operated the Titan, will testify during the hearing. Experts have raised concerns about cost-cutting in the Titan’s design, like experimental materials and the vessel’s shape. The passengers paid $250,000 each for the opportunity to visit the Titanic wreck. One former employee raised concerns about the safety of the submersible but was fired. In the aftermath of the disaster, a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against OceanGate. The investigation has been challenging due to the extreme depths of the incident, making evidence recovery difficult. Experts hope the hearing will lead to safety improvements in the submersible industry and regulations in high-seas activities. The tragic event highlights the need to ensure the safety of passengers on deep-sea explorations and hold companies accountable for negligence.

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