Wed Sep 18 10:52:18 UTC 2024: ## Former OceanGate Employee Testifies About “Red Flags” and “Push” to Launch Titan Submersible
**Washington D.C.** – David Lochridge, a former director of marine operations for OceanGate, the company behind the ill-fated Titan submersible, gave harrowing testimony at the US Coast Guard’s hearing into the Titanic expedition tragedy. Lochridge, one of ten former employees of OceanGate to testify, painted a picture of a company obsessed with profit, ignoring safety concerns, and pushing for a launch despite “red flags” about the Titan’s construction.
Lochridge, who had previously raised concerns about the Titan’s safety, stated he had “no confidence whatsoever” in its build. He claimed the company bypassed “all the standardized rules and regulations” to expedite the launch and start making profit.
“It was inevitable something was going to happen,” he said, adding, “It was just a when.”
Lochridge’s testimony echoes that of other former employees who described a culture of pressure to launch the submersible, despite safety concerns. Tony Nissen, the director of engineering, confirmed the “pressure” to start operations, stating it was “100 percent.”
The Coast Guard also released footage of the Titan sub wreckage, showing its mangled tail cone lying on the ocean floor. The video was deemed “conclusive evidence of the catastrophic loss” of all five passengers on board the vessel.
The hearing continues on Thursday, with the Coast Guard looking to uncover the factors leading to the disastrous implosion of the Titan.
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