Passenger Testifies About Aborted Titanic Expedition as Coast Guard Investigates OceanGate
A paid passenger on a previous OceanGate expedition to the Titanic wreckage site has provided testimony to a U.S. Coast Guard investigatory panel, shedding light on mechanical issues that plagued the company’s submersible operations before last year’s fatal implosion.
Fred Hagen, identified as a “mission specialist” who paid to participate in OceanGate’s underwater exploration, recounted a 2021 mission to the Titanic that was aborted due to apparent mechanical failures. Hagen described how the Titan submersible appeared off course and experienced a malfunction with its starboard thruster, causing it to spin in circles and make only right turns. The mission was ultimately scrapped after the Titan dropped weights and resurfaced.
This testimony comes as part of a four-day hearing by the Coast Guard panel, investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible in June 2023. The incident claimed the lives of five individuals, including OceanGate co-founder and Titan pilot Stockton Rush.
Other witnesses have provided additional insights into the company’s operations. Steven Ross, OceanGate’s scientific director, testified about a malfunction that occurred days before the fatal dive. Former operations director David Lochridge criticized the company’s focus on profit over scientific pursuits, while former contractor Antonella Wilby raised concerns about unusual noises during a 2022 dive.
The accident has sparked debate about the future of private undersea exploration and highlighted regulatory concerns. The Titan submersible had not undergone independent review, drawing scrutiny from the undersea exploration community. OceanGate has suspended operations since the implosion and currently has no full-time employees.
The Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board continue their investigations into the incident, with OceanGate cooperating in the process. As the hearing progresses, it remains to be seen what impact these revelations will have on the future of deep-sea exploration and safety regulations in the industry.
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