During a U.S. Coast Guard hearing on the Titan submersible’s fatal implosion in June 2023, it was revealed that the final message sent by the submersible was “all good here.” This communication occurred as the Titan descended towards the Titanic wreckage, which lies 3,800 meters beneath the surface.
The message was sent at approximately 2,274 meters, with the last communication indicating “Dropped two wts” (weights) at about 3,341 meters. The signal was lost shortly thereafter, at 3,346 meters.
The hearing, which began on Monday, marks 15 months since the OceanGate vessel’s catastrophic implosion, which resulted in the deaths of all five aboard.
Debris from the Titan was discovered on the ocean floor four days later, confirming the fatal event.
The Coast Guard released new images of the Titan’s wreckage, including its tail cone.
Testimonies from the hearing highlighted various concerns about the Titan’s design and operations.
Tym Catterson, a former OceanGate contractor, expressed doubts about the submersible’s construction, particularly its carbon fiber and titanium materials. He had raised these concerns multiple times with OceanGate officials.
Additionally, former OceanGate engineering director Tony Nissen and other witnesses shared their discomfort with the submersible’s safety and operational protocols.
The Titan was not classified, which is common for submersibles and essential for insurance and safety validation, according to Catterson. He recommended classification to OceanGate, but it was not pursued.
The Coast Guard’s investigation has revealed numerous issues with the submersible, including 70 equipment problems in 2021 and an additional 48 in 2022. The vessel also partially sank a month before the incident due to high seas and fog.
The hearing, which is set to conclude on September 27, aims to uncover the factors leading to the implosion and provide recommendations for preventing future incidents.
The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the event to determine the probable cause.
The hearing is being attended by OceanGate’s legal representatives, and the company has suspended all exploration and commercial activities following the tragedy.
