Fred Hagen, a commercial building contractor and developer who participated in two OceanGate deep-sea dives to the Titanic wreckage, testified at a U.S. Coast Guard hearing on Friday, September 22nd, 2024. Hagen acknowledged the inherent risks associated with the dives, stating that he understood the possibility of a fatal outcome. You can find more information about the U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigation on their official website: U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation.
Hagen’s testimony shed light on the safety culture at OceanGate and the experimental nature of the Titan submersible. He described the dives as “thrilling adventures” rather than inherently safe endeavors. Hagen recalled conversations with Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a French explorer who was among the five individuals who perished in the Titan implosion, in which the risks of deep-sea exploration were openly discussed. To learn more about the Titanic wreckage and its exploration, you can visit the website of the RMS Titanic, Inc., the company that holds the salvage rights to the wreck.
Hagen’s first dive in July 2021 was aborted due to a thruster failure, while his second dive in July 2022 successfully reached the Titanic. He recounted an incident during the second dive where the submersible became momentarily stuck in the wreckage but emphasized OceanGate founder Stockton Rush’s composure in handling the situation. Hagen also addressed concerns about a loud bang heard during the 2022 dive, explaining that it was later attributed to the submersible’s hull shifting in its carriage. For insights into deep-sea exploration technology and safety protocols, you can visit the website of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Patrick Lahey, co-founder and CEO of Triton Submarines, a leading manufacturer of deep-sea submersibles, also testified at the hearing. Lahey emphasized the importance of certification for submersibles used in deep-sea exploration. He highlighted that all Triton submersibles are certified by independent classification societies, ensuring their robustness, durability, and reliability. Lahey expressed his belief that experimental vehicles should not be used for deep-sea tourism and that certification should be a mandatory requirement. To learn more about Triton Submarines and their certified submersibles, you can visit their official website: Triton Submarines.
The hearing also heard from Antonella Wilby, a former OceanGate contractor, who described the company’s safety culture as “safety theater.” Wilby expressed concerns about the Titan’s navigation system and the use of glass spheres in its construction. Dave Dyer, from the University of Washington’s Applied Physics Lab, which collaborated with OceanGate on engineering support, testified about conflicts with OceanGate’s engineers regarding their approach to developing the Titan. For news and updates on the investigation into the Titan implosion, you can visit reputable news websites like The New York Times or BBC News. Remember to check WentWorld.com and follow our social media channels for ultimate travel tips and destination guides.
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