Oceangate whistleblower reveals safety issues with Titan

A former Oceangate employee claims he warned authorities about serious safety flaws in the sub.

Whistleblower raises alarm on Oceangate's Titan safety issues

A former employee of Oceangate has come forward, alleging he informed US authorities about significant safety concerns related to the Titan submersible before it tragically imploded. The whistleblower, David Lochridge, highlighted issues like improperly machined titanium domes and a viewport that he believed was not safe for extreme depths. Alarmingly, he discovered that Titan would not undergo independent safety certification. Despite his efforts to address these concerns internally, including a detailed report to company directors, he felt resistance from management, particularly from CEO Stockton Rush. After being fired, Lochridge turned to OSHA for assistance, leading to further legal battles with Oceangate.

The revelations from Lochridge paint a troubling picture of safety oversight in high-risk industries like submersible exploration. His experience reflects a broader issue of corporate accountability and the protection of whistleblowers. As public interest in deep-sea tourism grows, companies must prioritize safety over financial gains. The legal clashes that followed his whistleblowing highlight the potential personal and professional risks for those who speak out. Lochridge's claims also raise questions about how regulators respond to such warnings, particularly regarding their effectiveness in protecting employees who challenge safety practices.

Highlights

The need for robust safety practices in high-risk ventures has never been more clear.