The US Coast Guard has released a scathing report on the 2023 submarine implosion that killed five people, including the CEO of OceanGate Inc., Stockton Rush. The investigation found that the tragedy was preventable due to multiple contributing factors, including safety warnings ignored by Rush, inadequate design, and a lack of certification and maintenance.
The report states that the submersible’s hull was made of cheaper carbon fiber instead of stronger steel alloy, and that investigators would have likely faced criminal charges if Stockton Rush had survived. The Coast Guard also found evidence of a toxic work culture within OceanGate.
Former employees testified during a public hearing last summer that the company prioritized profits over safety and silenced critics. One former engineer warned Rush a decade ago that Titan was not safe, but he was fired after expressing his concerns.
The Coast Guard’s findings mirror those of the public hearing, which included testimony about “crackling sounds” inside the submersible during dives. The investigation recommends strengthening oversight of the submersible industry to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As part of its report, the Coast Guard has offered safety recommendations aimed at improving the safety of deep-sea submersibles. The findings will be reviewed by the Coast Guard commandant, who will decide on actions to pursue.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/08/05/nx-s1-5493502/coast-guard-titan-submersible-oceangate-investigation