The U.S. Coast Guard has released its final 335-page report on the 2023 Titan submersible disaster, concluding that the implosion—and the loss of five lives—was preventable. The investigation singles out OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush as the central figure responsible, citing repeated safety warnings that were ignored and threats made toward those who raised concerns. Had Rush survived, investigators say they would have recommended four counts of manslaughter to the Department of Justice.
Pattern of Neglect and Deception
The report describes a pattern of “lies, manipulation, negligence, and fraud” throughout OceanGate’s operations. Employees consistently voiced concerns about the sub’s carbon fiber hull, inadequate testing, and unsafe operational practices. Many who spoke up were threatened with termination or lawsuits, creating what investigators called a “toxic safety culture.” Former director of marine operations David Lochridge testified that he knew the hull would fail and was fired after documenting his concerns in 2018.
Inadequate Design and Safety Practices
According to the Coast Guard, the Titan’s design failed to meet fundamental engineering standards for deep-sea operations. The vessel’s carbon fiber hull was never properly analyzed for long-term use at extreme depths, and the company relied heavily on a real-time monitoring system instead of robust physical testing. The safety manual contained only four pages of dive safety procedures—far below industry norms.
Poor Maintenance and Storage
The report also details a lack of proper maintenance. Following its final dive in 2022, the Titan was stored in a Canadian parking lot for seven months, exposed to harsh winter conditions without protection. Investigators noted that such exposure could degrade the carbon fiber structure. Other operational issues included thruster malfunctions, a loud “bang” during an ascent in 2022, partial sinking weeks before the fatal dive, and unsafe towing practices in open seas.
The Final Dive
On June 18, 2023, the Titan made its descent toward the Titanic wreck site, sending two short text messages to its surface vessel, the Polar Prince: “All good here” at 2,274 meters and “Dropped two wts” at 3,341 meters. Seven seconds after the final message, at a depth of 3,346 meters, the Titan imploded. The passengers—Rush, French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, British businessman Hamish Harding, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, and his son Suleman—were killed instantly.
Delay in Reporting the Loss
One troubling detail in the report is that the team aboard the Polar Prince waited more than seven hours before notifying authorities of the loss of communication. While investigators acknowledged that the passengers died instantly, the delay hampered the investigation and raised serious questions about operational protocols.
Whistleblower Complaint Ignored
The investigation revealed that Lochridge’s 2018 whistleblower complaint to OSHA was never followed up on, despite flagging potential dangers in the Titan’s design and testing. The Coast Guard concluded that earlier intervention might have forced OceanGate to pursue regulatory compliance or abandon its Titanic expedition plans altogether.
Regulatory Gaps and Recommendations
The report notes that the lack of domestic and international regulatory oversight for experimental submersibles was not a direct cause but left a dangerous gap in safety enforcement. The Coast Guard recommends creating clear frameworks for innovative vessel designs to ensure safety while allowing for technological progress. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting its own investigation and will release a final cause determination in the coming months.
OceanGate Response
OceanGate permanently ceased operations following the tragedy and issued a statement reiterating condolences to the victims’ families. The company said it devoted all resources to cooperating with the Coast Guard investigation until its conclusion.
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Just as well the Rush lost his life in his “unsafe” vehicle!! Too bad that 4 others perished along with him! But with all the red flags in the program, the others were fools to go that DEEP in such a poorly designed and maintained craft! Sitting outside unprotected in a harsh Canadian winter? That’s unconscionable!