OceanGate Whistleblower Exposes Titan’s ‘Appalling’ Flaws and CEO Stockton Rush’s Cost-Cutting Secrets..

OceanGate whistleblower David Lochridge has revealed serious flaws in the Titan submersible. He claims CEO Stockton Rush prioritized cost-cutting over safety. This alarming information was shared during a US Coast Guard investigation on September 17, 2024.

Lochridge, who was once the director of marine operations, described the Titan’s design as “appalling.” He expressed concerns about the submersible’s carbon fiber hull and inadequate safety measures, ultimately leading to his dismissal in 2018.

Key takeaways:

• David Lochridge highlighted flaws in the Titan submersible.
• CEO Stockton Rush favored cost-cutting measures.
• The hull was made of insufficient carbon fiber.
• Lochridge refused to sign off on the design.

Former OceanGate Director Exposes Titan Submersible’s Dangerous Design Flaws

During the investigation, Lochridge detailed how Stockton Rush’s approach to engineering compromised the Titan’s safety. He pointed out that the submersible’s hull was made from a thin layer of carbon fiber, which is not standard for deep-sea vehicles. Typically, stronger materials like titanium are used to withstand extreme pressures. Lochridge’s concerns were ignored, leading him to refuse to endorse the submersible.

Impact of Cost-Cutting on OceanGate’s Titan Submersible Project

Lochridge’s testimony indicates that OceanGate’s focus on profits led to serious design flaws. He explained that essential components, like the carbon scrubber, were poorly constructed using cheap materials. This not only affected the submersible’s functionality but also raised significant safety concerns. The decision to reuse parts from previous models further compromised the Titan’s integrity.

Concerns About Titan’s Engineering and Safety Measures

Lochridge expressed deep concerns about the qualifications of the engineering team working on the Titan. He noted that many were inexperienced, which contributed to the project’s shortcomings. The following points summarize his concerns:

• The hull’s structural integrity was inadequate.
• Cheap materials were used for critical components.
• Inexperienced engineers were involved in the project.
• Previous models’ parts were reused without proper assessment.

Lochridge’s revelations raise important questions about safety standards in submersible engineering. The investigation continues to explore these issues further.