A recent simulation revealed the tragic final moments of the Titan submersible, which imploded during its June 2023 expedition to the Titanic wreck.
Overview of the Marine Board Presentation
The Marine Board recently presented an animation model that tracks the Titan submersible.
This 10-minute simulation reveals crucial dialogue between the sub and the support ship.
This offered insights into the events leading up to the disappearance.
During its ill-fated 2023 expedition, the Titan was found “partially sunk” in the ocean.
This alarming discovery raised questions about its structural integrity and operational safety.
Images have surfaced showing debris from the Titan, including its tail cone, resting on the sea floor after the implosion.
These visuals highlight the catastrophic end of the mission and the need for further investigation.
Among the last messages sent from the Titan was the reassuring response, “All good here.”
This chilling statement contrasts starkly with the eventual fate of the submersible.
Allegations of lightning strike
Tony Nissen, the former engineering director for OceanGate Expeditions, testified that the Titan had been struck by lightning during a test mission in 2018.
He stated that it “was not working like we thought it would.” When asked to pilot the sub, Nissen replied, “I’m not getting in it.”
Pressure to launch
“Nissen also indicated that there was significant pressure to prepare the Titan for its wreck dive.
He stated, ‘100%’ when asked about the urgency behind the mission’s launch.
Issues with waivers
Bonnie Carl, OceanGate’s former human resources and finance director, revealed that she was aware of a waiver that customers needed to sign.
However, she stated that she ‘never saw anyone sign anything.’ She noted, “When I was taking money, we hadn’t even finished building the Titan,’
Timeline of the voyage
The Titan began its descent at 8 AM ET, but lost contact with its support vessel, the Polar Prince, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes later.
The submersible plunged to depths exceeding 12,400 feet, more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon.
This prompted a large-scale rescue operation by the US Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard estimated that the Titan had only 70 to 96 hours of oxygen remaining.
All five individuals on board—Stockton Rush, Hamish Harding, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Shahzada Dawood, and his son Suleman—were later pronounced dead.
This occurred after debris from the vessel was discovered.
The US Coast Guard initiated a public hearing to investigate the implosion.
This inquiry aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
It also seeks to determine any potential accountability.
Eerie simulation reveals final moments of Titan submersible
During the hearing, a detailed 10-minute animation tracked the Titan’s final moments.
It included communication exchanges with the support ship before contact was lost.
David Lochridge, a former OceanGate employee, testified about safety concerns he raised as early as 2018.
He claims these concerns were ignored.
“I had no confidence whatsoever in the way Titan was being built,” Lochridge stated, emphasizing the missed safety protocols.
Lochridge criticized the company for its “arrogance” and the “control freak” tendencies of CEO Stockton Rush.
Key details from the hearing revealed that the Titan was built without proper registration or certification.
This exposed it to significant risks.
The hull was reportedly constructed using adhesive to bond carbon fiber and titanium components.
Key findings from the hearing
It was disclosed that the Titan’s hull underwent no third-party inspections.
Additionally, it had been left exposed to the elements for seven months before the ill-fated dive.
Further testimony revealed that prior to the dive, the Titan had been partially submerged during a test mission.
It had even been struck by lightning in 2018.
Former engineering director Tony Nissen recounted his reluctance to pilot the submersible due to safety concerns. He stated, ‘I’m not getting in it.’
Waivers and accountability
“Bonnie Carl, a former HR director at OceanGate, mentioned that while waivers were signed by participants, she never witnessed anyone actually signing these documents.
This raised further questions about accountability.
It also highlighted concerns regarding safety protocols.”
As the hearing continues, it is clear that the Titan tragedy raises significant concerns about safety in extreme explorations.
“The chilling details of the implosion underscore the risks of deep-sea dives and the importance of rigorous safety standards.
The final findings will likely have lasting implications for deep-sea exploration and safety regulations.