OceanGate Following the Titan submersible tragedy last month, the Company has halted all commercial and exploration activities.
The implosion reportedly happened less than two hours after the Titanic wrecking expedition began, killing five people. Among those who died was the company’s CEO, Stockton Rush. OceanGate announced the move on its website website Thursday (July 6).
OceanGate’s operations could be sidelined for a while due to the ongoing Titan investigation
According to ABC News, the news comes amid an ongoing investigation by the US Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board.
The Marine Board of Investigation will also conduct “further analysis and testing” of the evidence gathered from the Titan wreck.
“There is still work to be done to understand the factors that led to the catastrophic loss of TITAN and to ensure a similar tragedy does not repeat itself,” said Capt. Jason Neubauer, chairman of the Marine Board of Investigation, in one June 28 statement.
Meanwhile, OceanGate could be sidelined for an extended period of time.
Former National Transportation Safety Board investigator Tom Haueter told the outlet the investigation could take “months” to determine the cause of the deadly implosion.
Two expeditions per year were planned for 2024 live mint. However, it remains unclear whether these trips will be postponed to a later date.
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OceanGate was reviewed for cheap carbon fiber construction and a $30 video game dive controller
OceanGate offers commercial and research activities. Based in Everett, Wash., the company also allows tourists to explore deep-sea environments and sunken boatwrecks for a fee.
The company has since come under scrutiny for its cheap carbon fiber construction and idiosyncratic design. Rush had previously boasted about being able to control the submersible, which weighs 20,000 pounds above water, with a $30 video game controller, as previously reported by The Shadow Room.
Rush defended the use of carbon fiber, claiming the material had a better strength-to-buoyancy ratio compared to titanium. According to Where The Road Forks, carbon fiber is less than half the density of titanium and not nearly as strong.
According to its website, OceanGate has conducted more than 14 expeditions and over 200 dives since its inception in 2009.
“OceanGate has suspended all exploration and commercial activities.”
The notice is now at the top of their website. pic.twitter.com/dfFG1pgwqL
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) July 6, 2023
A brief timeline of the events leading up to the Titan submersible implosion
Last month, The Shadow Room reported that the submersible Titan went missing on June 18 while carrying Rush and four other people on board.
Shortly after sinking during a deep-sea voyage to explore the wreck of the RMS Titanic, it lost contact with its mother ship.
Renowned world explorer Hamish HardingFrench diver Paul Henri NargeoletFather and son, Shahzada And Sulaiman Dawood were the remaining Titan casualties.
International maritime authorities eventually located the wreck of the submersible on the seabed. It was discovered on June 22 about 1,600 feet from Titanic’s bow.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard last week reported the discovery of “probable human remains.”
This is an evolving story. Be sure to visit again The Shadow Room for further updates as they become available.
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