An upcoming Netflix documentary unveils new insights about the Titan submersible from June 2023, which tragically imploded while heading to the Titanic’s remains, resulting in the loss of all five individuals onboard.
“Titan: The OceanGate Disaster” looks at the warnings that were ignored about the submersible’s designs.
David Lochridge, the chief submersible pilot, tried to warn the company’s CEO about the potential dangers and was fired for doing so.
“There were absolutely no safety measures in place on that vehicle, which is why I voiced my concerns both verbally and in writing,” Lochridge expressed on the “TODAY” show. “After I documented my concerns in my quality inspection report, I was called into the boardroom. During a two-hour and ten-minute meeting, I was terminated from the company. Essentially, I was fired.”
Lochridge’s responsibilities included aiding in the construction of the submersible and escorting paying passengers to the wreck site. OceanGate charged each passenger $250,000 for the experience.
Lochridge said he expressed his concerns over the course of the submersible being built. Part of his worries stemmed from the carbon fiber design of the submersible, which he said wasn’t safe for deep dives.
He also filed a federal whistleblower complaint and lawsuit to try and get the warning out to the public.
The underwater vessel disappeared June 18 after officials said it suffered a “catastrophic implosion.” OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, 61, who was piloting the Titan; deep sea explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, who was experienced in visiting the Titanic wreck site; British tycoon Hamish Harding, 58; and Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son, Suleman, 19, were killed.
OceanGate said in a statement Thursday: “We again offer our deepest condolences to the families of those who died on June 18, 2023, and to all those impacted by the tragedy.”
The company said it “permanently wound down its operations” after the tragedy and is fully cooperating with investigations being conducted by the Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board.
“Titan: The OceanGate Disaster” debuts Wednesday on Netflix.
