Former director exposes Titan submersible safety failures
OceanGate criticised for rapid pilot qualification and safety neglect
David Lochridge, a former director of marine operations at OceanGate, has disclosed alarming insights about the ill-fated Titan submersible. Lochridge testified before a US Coast Guard hearing concerning the Titan sub, which tragically imploded in June 2023, killing all five passengers.
Lochridge recounted that OceanGate aimed to “qualify a pilot in a day,” highlighting a significant safety concern. He reached out to OceanGate in 2015 after his wife spotted a job advert while he was working in the North Sea. After sending his resume, he visited OceanGate in May 2015. From the beginning, the company expressed its intention to explore the Titanic.
Lochridge emphasised that OceanGate’s plan to quickly qualify inexperienced pilots was a major red flag. He noted the absence of standardised pilot training and mentioned that no one was certified to dive in the submersible. Additionally, he disclosed that the Titan was the only submersible not fully classified by safety agencies.
🚨 #BREAKING . Statements about OceanGate.
David Lochridge, former Director of Marine Operations at OceanGate:
"There was a great effort to achieve it, but many steps were overlooked."
Lochridge, who was dismissed from his position after about two years:
"There was very… pic.twitter.com/vGS9BWowWE
— G (@gbn911) September 17, 2024
He also revealed that a PlayStation controller was used to operate the sub and criticised OceanGate’s late CEO, Stockton Rush, for unprofessional conduct. The sub lacked an inspection certificate from the US Coast Guard. Lochridge accused OceanGate of prioritising profit over scientific endeavour.
When questioned about why Rush and engineering director Tony Nissen chose to handle engineering internally, Lochridge attributed it to their arrogance, believing they could succeed without proper engineering support. His relationship with OceanGate deteriorated in 2016 due to his outspoken nature on numerous safety issues. He voiced his concerns to every director within the organisation, prioritising safety despite the strain it caused on his professional relationships.
The submersible’s implosion resulted in the deaths of Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, French diver Paul Henry Nargeolet, and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son, Suleman.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AP News highlights the ongoing U.S. Coast Guard hearing investigating the Titan submersible’s implosion, focusing on pressure to launch, safety concerns, and potential negligence, amidst ongoing investigations and lawsuits. (Read more)
- NBC News reports that OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush prioritized profits over safety leading to the Titan submersible’s fatal voyage, according to ex-employee David Lochridge’s testimony. (Read more)
- Irish Star reports on the damning testimony by former OceanGate employee David Lochridge, who described the Titan submersible as “an abomination of a sub” due to its flawed design and poor construction practices. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did David Lochridge reveal about OceanGate’s pilot training?
Lochridge revealed that OceanGate wanted to qualify a pilot in a day without prior submersible experience.
Was the Titan submersible fully inspected and certified?
No, Lochridge stated that the Titan was uninspected and had no certificate of inspection from the US Coast Guard.
What was used to operate the Titan submersible?
A PlayStation controller was used to operate the Titan submersible.
Why did the relationship between David Lochridge and OceanGate break down?
The relationship broke down because Lochridge was outspoken about many safety issues, which did not help his relationship with the company.
What was the outcome of the Titan submersible’s implosion?
The implosion resulted in the deaths of all five people on board, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush.
