Guillermo Sohnlein, co-founder of OceanGate, is scheduled to provide testimony to the U.S. Coast Guard on September 23, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation into the Titan submersible disaster. The incident, which occurred in June 2023, resulted in the loss of five lives during an expedition to the Titanic wreckage.
The public hearing, which commenced on September 16, 2024, is a component of a high-level inquiry into the cause of the submersible's implosion. Although Sohnlein departed from the Washington-based company several years ago, his testimony is anticipated to offer insights into OceanGate's internal operations.
Previous testimonies have shed light on the company's practices. David Lochridge, former operations director at OceanGate, stated during the hearing:
"The whole idea behind the company was to make money. There was very little in the way of science."
This statement aligns with concerns raised about the company's priorities and safety measures. Coast Guard officials noted that the Titan submersible had not undergone independent review, deviating from standard industry practice.
The Titan submersible's final dive on June 18, 2023, ended in tragedy. The crew's last communication with the support ship Polar Prince indicated "all good here" before contact was lost. This incident occurred during an attempt to visit the Titanic wreck, which lies at a depth of about 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) in the North Atlantic Ocean.
The Titanic, which sank on April 15, 1912, during its maiden voyage, has been a subject of fascination for decades. Discovered in 1985 by a joint American-French expedition, the wreck site was designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage site in 2012. The ship's grand staircase, spanning six decks, and its massive propellers, with the largest measuring 23.5 feet in diameter, are among its notable features.
Rescue efforts for the Titan submersible involved deploying ships, planes, and other equipment to an area approximately 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John's, Newfoundland. The wreckage was eventually located on the ocean floor, about 330 yards (300 meters) from the Titanic's bow.
OceanGate has suspended its operations following the incident but maintains that it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigations by the Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board. The company had been conducting voyages to the Titanic wreckage site since 2021.
As the hearing continues, with an expected conclusion on September 27, 2024, additional witnesses, including former OceanGate engineering director Phil Brooks and Roy Thomas from the American Bureau of Shipping, are set to provide their testimonies. The incident has sparked a global debate on the future of private undersea exploration and the need for stringent safety measures in such endeavors.
The Titan submersible disaster serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with deep-sea exploration, echoing the tragic fate of the Titanic itself. As investigations proceed, the maritime community and the public await answers that may shape the future of underwater expeditions and safety protocols in this challenging field.