The investigation aims to uncover what led to the incident and provide recommendations to prevent similar tragedies.
The Titan, operated by OceanGate, was conducting a dive to the Titanic wreck when it imploded less than two hours into its descent. Questions have since arisen about the submersible's design, safety, and the materials used in its construction.
Before losing contact with its surface ship, the Titan sent a final message: "All good here." The US Coast Guard also revealed text exchanges between the Titan and its mother ship during the descent, though communications were intermittent.
The last message, sent at a depth of 3,346 meters, mentioned the release of two weights before communication was lost.
Renata Rojas, a mission specialist and volunteer for the dive, testified about her interactions with the crew before the dive. She recalled seeing "five people smiling" as they boarded the submersible, adding that they were "happy to go." When communication was lost, she questioned, "We haven't heard from them, where are they?"
Rojas admitted that the Titan was not classified or registered but noted that despite the risks, she did not feel unsafe during previous dives with OceanGate.
David Lochridge, OceanGate's former operations director, testified that he had raised concerns about the Titan's safety before being dismissed in 2018. He claimed his warnings were ignored, and he believed the implosion was "inevitable" due to the company's bypassing of standard safety protocols.
Concerns about Titan's Design
Lochridge had particular concerns about the use of carbon fiber in the Titan's design, warning that it could degrade with each dive. He also alleged that OceanGate prioritized profit over safety.
Footage released by the US Coast Guard showed the Titan’s wreckage scattered across the ocean floor, with parts of the submersible, including its tail and electronic components, visible among the debris.
Patrick Lahey, CEO of submersible manufacturer Triton, also testified, criticizing the Titan’s design. He emphasized the importance of certifying submersibles through independent safety assessments, which the Titan had not undergone.
After touring the vessel, Lahey described it as "amateur-ish" and raised concerns about its overall execution.