Fred Hagen was one of the mission specialists on an OceanGate dive to the Titanic shipwreck in 2022. During the dive, the submersible became tangled in the wreckage of the Titanic, but the incident was quickly resolved. The Coast Guard’s Marine Investigation Board is looking into the history of OceanGate’s Titan sub development to prevent future underwater accidents. The 2021 dive resulted in the tragic loss of five individuals, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and experienced Titanic explorer P.H. Nargeolet.
Hagen recounted his experience of getting stuck briefly in the Titanic wreckage during the dive. The crew managed to free the sub after a minute or two, and the surface support team ordered them to come up immediately. Despite the incident feeling significant underwater, Hagen noted that P.H. Nargeolet remained calm and quickly resolved the issue. The panel questioned whether OceanGate had informed the Coast Guard beforehand and concluded that the entanglement was accidental and not intentional.
OceanGate’s policy was not to disturb the Titanic wreck site, and Stockton Rush had emphasized that the company aimed to document the site without causing any harm. Hagen, being a part of the construction company, understood the risks associated with diving to the Titanic and acknowledged that it was not a safe environment. The hearing also highlighted other anomalies during the dives, such as a loud bang when resurfacing at the end of the dive.
Dave Dyer, an engineer at the University of Washington’s Applied Physics Laboratory, provided insights into OceanGate’s engineering challenges and the development of the Titan submersible. APL-UW collaborated with OceanGate for a period but backed away from the project due to differences over various technical issues. The need for certification of submersibles was emphasized by Triton Submarines CEO Patrick Lahey, who stated that the process would ensure compliance with internationally recognized standards.
Antonella Wilby, a tech contractor for OceanGate, raised concerns about the navigation system used during the dives, describing it as “idiotic” and prone to errors. She also pointed out that her concerns were not well received by her colleagues on the support ship, and she felt that safety was not being prioritized during operations. Wilby considered escalating her concerns but was cautioned against it due to the company’s litigious nature. Overall, her assessment was that the operations did not appear to be safe.
The hearings shed light on the challenges faced during the Titan submersible dives to the Titanic wreck, including technical malfunctions, safety concerns, and the need for better coordination and communication. The incident involving the sub’s entanglement in the wreckage highlighted the risks involved in deep-sea exploration and the importance of following proper procedures to ensure the safety of crew members and equipment. Recommendations for future missions may include improved navigation systems, certification processes for submersibles, and enhanced safety protocols to prevent similar accidents.
