The Titan Submarine Accident Could Have Been Avoided

The fatal accident involving the tourist submarine Titan, which imploded as it descended towards the wreck of the Titanic, could have been prevented. This according to a report from the US Coast Guard.

Five people died when the submarine imploded in the Atlantic Ocean in June 2023. The owner of the submarine, Oceangate, has previously been criticised, and now an investigation by the Coast Guard shows that the accident could have been prevented.

The report concludes that the accident was mainly caused by the company’s failure to follow established safety, testing and maintenance protocols.

Oceangate is criticised in the report for downplaying, ignoring and falsifying important safety information in order to improve the company’s brand and avoid scrutiny from inspectors. The company is also accused of ignoring ‘warning signs’ and of having a ‘toxic workplace culture’.

Several Oceangate employees have come forward and confirmed the Coast Guard’s findings. According to the report, the dismissal of older employees and the imminent threat of dismissal have been used to discourage employees and contractors from raising safety concerns.

^{Cover image: Salvaged wreckage from the submarine Titan, which imploded on its way down to the wreck of the Titanic. Archive image Photo: Paul Daly/Canadian Press via AP/TT}