**The investigation into the Titan submersible disaster has raised serious concerns about OceanGate's safety practices, as chronicled by whistleblower David Lochridge, who was fired after voicing his worries.**
**Titan Submersible Whistleblower Reveals 'Lies' Behind OceanGate's Safety Oversight**
**Titan Submersible Whistleblower Reveals 'Lies' Behind OceanGate's Safety Oversight**
**David Lochridge, a former OceanGate director, shares his experience and safety warnings leading up to the Titan disaster.**
When David Lochridge, a whistleblower and former Director of Marine Operations for OceanGate, reflects on the Titan submersible tragedy, he emphasizes, "People were sold a lie." As the submersible imploded during a dive to the Titanic wreck in June 2023, he had already raised safety alarms about the craft's design and construction, only to be dismissed and subsequently fired in 2018 for his concerns.
The Titan disaster claimed the lives of five, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, drawing scrutiny from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), which identified critical failures in safety protocols leading up to the incident. Lochridge recalls his profound unease as he observed the transition of Titan's construction from the University of Washington to in-house engineers, voicing serious reservations about their experience in building deep-diving subs.
In interviews, Lochridge admits, “At that point, I started asking questions... I felt I had a duty of care.” He specifically noted numerous faults in the carbon fiber hull and other components, but met with resistance when he sought to raise these issues within the company.
Compelled by his concerns, Lochridge reached out to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), who classified his complaint as urgent due to its implications for public safety. However, following an inquiry that revealed retaliation concerns from OceanGate, Lochridge faced a protracted legal battle that ultimately led to him dropping his case due to mounting pressure from the company.
Despite his dismissal, Lochridge continued to call for serious oversight, urging that the development of the Titan required independent certification, especially given the experimental materials in its construction. The USCG report echoed Lochridge's concerns about OSHA's slow response and the lack of active communication regarding his claims.
The aftermath of Titan's catastrophic failure has reignited conversations about whistleblower protections and the need for heightened scrutiny in high-risk industries. Reflections from USCG officials suggest that lessons must be learned to improve safety oversight and protect those who speak out against corporate negligence. In light of this tragedy, OceanGate has ceased operations to focus on cooperating with ongoing investigations and ensuring future compliance with safety regulations.
