Mon Sep 23 20:52:02 UTC 2024: ## Titan Submersible Disaster: Cause May Remain Unknown, OceanGate Co-Founder Testifies

**North Charleston, SC** – The investigation into the catastrophic implosion of the Titan submersible, which claimed the lives of five individuals in June 2023, continues to unravel the company’s safety practices and financial pressures.

OceanGate co-founder Guillermo Söhnlein, who left the company in 2013, testified at a Coast Guard hearing on Monday that the cause of the disaster may never be determined. He expressed his grief over the tragedy, stating that the implosion “was not supposed to happen,” but admitted he lacked information about the final moments of the submersible.

The hearing has revealed a pattern of concerns raised by former OceanGate employees regarding the company’s focus on speed and cost over safety. David Lochridge, former operations director, testified that the company’s primary goal was profit rather than scientific exploration. Phil Brooks, former engineering director, revealed that he resigned in February 2023 due to concerns about safety compromises stemming from financial pressures and the company’s decision to use only one support vessel, leading to unsafe working conditions.

Brooks specifically highlighted an incident in 2022 when a “loud bang” was heard during the Titan’s 80th dive. While the cause of the sound remains unknown, Brooks expressed frustration that the submersible was not returned to Everett for a thorough inspection.

Despite Söhnlein’s hopes for future deep-sea exploration, the testimonies paint a picture of a company struggling financially and prioritizing profit over safety, raising questions about the company’s overall approach to its ambitious mission. The Coast Guard investigation is ongoing.

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