Wed Sep 25 04:16:35 UTC 2024: ## Flaws in Titan Submersible’s Carbon Fiber Hull Cited in Coast Guard Hearing

**North Charleston, SC** – A Coast Guard investigation into the catastrophic implosion of the Titan submersible, which killed five people in June 2023, has revealed serious flaws in the vessel’s carbon fiber hull.

The hearing, which commenced earlier this month, has heard testimony from several experts, including engineers and submersible specialists. Don Kramer, an engineer with the National Transportation Safety Board, revealed imperfections in the carbon fiber used for the Titan’s pressure hull, including wrinkles, porosity, and voids. Kramer also noted a “loud acoustic event” detected by sensors on the submersible during a dive in July 2022, which he believes may have contributed to the hull’s eventual failure.

William Kohnen, a seasoned submersible expert and critic of OceanGate, the company that built and operated the Titan, voiced concerns about the company’s approach to safety and testing. Kohnen expressed that OceanGate’s unconventional design and lack of independent review raised red flags within the industry. He further criticized OceanGate’s founder, Stockton Rush, for his reluctance to heed concerns and prioritizing speed over safety.

Bart Kemper, an engineer from Kemper Engineering Services, added his own concerns, particularly about the Titan’s window, which he believes contributed to the vessel’s implosion.

The hearing has painted a picture of a company driven by profits and eager to push boundaries, potentially at the expense of safety. Testimony from former OceanGate operations director David Lochridge further underscored this, revealing his clashes with Rush over safety protocols.

OceanGate, which has since suspended operations, has defended its actions, arguing that its experimental design was innovative and that its team was committed to safety. However, the hearing has raised serious questions about the company’s practices and the risks associated with unchecked experimentation in the field of deep-sea exploration.

The investigation is expected to continue for several more days, with more witnesses connected to OceanGate set to testify.

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