OceanGate Expeditions, the developer and operator of the Titan sub, faced criticism after the sub imploded during a voyage to Titanic’s wreckage in the North Atlantic. Filmmaker James Cameron, who had previously dived to Titanic’s wreck, expressed concerns about the sub’s design and safety measures. He stated that the tragedy could have been prevented if the sub had undergone proper certification.
John Bruno, a VFX Oscar winner for “The Abyss” who had dived to Titanic with Cameron, also shared Cameron’s concerns about the design of the Titan sub. He pointed out that the front end of the sub, which was made of carbon fiber composite, was a weak point susceptible to external pressure. Bruno explained that composites are suitable for internal pressure vessels like scuba tanks but not for vessels exposed to external pressure.
During their dives to Titanic, Bruno and Cameron used Mir submersibles, which were spherical and made of titanium. They always dived in pairs, with one sub following the other as a safety precaution. The pairing allowed them to coordinate and assist each other in case of any issues, such as getting hooked on twisted wreckage. Bruno emphasized the importance of having a fallback plan and a communication system, like the hydrophones used in the Mir sub, to ensure the safety of the divers.
Reflecting on the Titan sub’s features, Bruno expressed his skepticism and stated that he wouldn’t have gotten into that sub to go that deep. He stressed that any sub used for deep-sea dives should be properly certified and have a clear safety and rescue plan. While he supported the exploration of the underwater world, he emphasized the need for safety measures and certifications.
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Kristin Romey, a shipwreck archaeologist and senior editor at National Geographic, also raised concerns about the Titanic wreck being treated as a tourist attraction. She mentioned instances of tourists damaging the wreck and even leaving memorials on it. Romey emphasized that such activities contribute to the decay of the wreck, which is not beneficial for historical preservation. She highlighted the need to consider the impact of visits on protected underwater sites like Titanic.
The criticism raised by Cameron, Bruno, and Romey highlights important safety and conservation considerations in deep-sea exploration. The tragic incident involving the Titan sub serves as a reminder that certifications, proper design, communication systems, and safety plans are crucial for protecting divers and preserving historical sites. As the interest in deep-sea exploration grows, it is essential to prioritize safety and environmental responsibility.
