Former OceanGate Director Reveals Titan Submersible Safety Concerns at Coast Guard Hearing
Staff Editor Former OceanGate Operations Director Testifies on Titan Safety Concerns
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Titan submersible disaster, former OceanGate operations director David Lochridge has provided testimony to US Coast Guard investigators. Lochridge, who was fired from the company in 2018, shared details about safety concerns he raised prior to his dismissal.
The public hearings, part of a two-week inquiry by the US Coast Guard, come 15 months after the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible during its descent to the Titanic wreck in June 2023. The incident resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush.
Lochridge’s testimony marks his first public statement since initially voicing concerns about the submersible’s safety. He revealed that in 2018, Rush had tasked him with assembling a quality inspection report. During this process, Lochridge identified major concerns with the Titan’s carbon fiber design, warning that it would degrade with each dive.
The former operations director accused OceanGate and its CEO of arrogance, claiming they refused to work with external experts and instead relied on in-house engineering. Lochridge also stated that his relationship with the company began deteriorating in 2016 due to his persistent safety concerns.
The Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigations (MBI) is expected to hear from up to 10 former OceanGate employees and experts during the inquiry. Other testimonies have already shed light on various issues, including communication problems and equipment failures during previous dives.
Former engineering director Tony Nissen testified that he once refused to board the submersible, feeling pressured to prepare it for diving despite safety concerns. Officials noted that the Titan was never subject to third-party testing and had been exposed to weather and other elements during storage.
The investigation has revealed that during 13 dives to the Titanic wreck in 2021 and 2022, the submersible experienced 118 equipment issues. Specific incidents included battery failures and passengers being trapped inside for extended periods.
Following the tragic incident, OceanGate has suspended all exploration and commercial operations. The hearings continue as investigators work to understand the full scope of events leading to the Titan disaster and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
