The report reveals that data from acoustic sensors and strain gauges indicated hull delamination after a 2022 Titanic dive, causing a loud bang which Rush dismissed. By 2023, no one at the company could adequately interpret sensor data, having lost its director of engineering two months before the implosion.
Neubauer states that Rush had consolidated power, with no standards for noise levels to take the vessel out of service, apparently by design to avoid halting operations. The report suggests increased federal oversight of US-operated submersibles, requiring certification with third-party organizations like Lloyd’s Register or the American Bureau of Shipping, even in international waters. This would likely prohibit using carbon fiber for hulls, as these organizations have not yet classified a crewed carbon-fiber submersible. Neubauer mentions concerns over carbon fiber’s cumulative damage over time.
Tony Nissen, OceanGate’s former director of engineering, defends the carbon-fiber hull and acoustic monitoring system. Issues with Titan’s first hull were partly identified using acoustic sensors, prompting a replacement. Nissen asserts that the design wasn’t inadequate and the real-time monitoring worked but was ignored for the second hull.
Will Kohnen of the World Submarine Organization acknowledges the Coast Guard’s work in proving Titan’s tragedy was preventable. He emphasizes the need for better regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and responsible governance in the submersible industry.
The report critiques the search and rescue response when Titan went missing. Neubauer notes emergency contacts were unaware of Titan’s dive plans, and OceanGate lacked a robotic vehicle capable of reaching the submersible’s depth. Despite the search success, Neubauer doubts a rescue was possible given Titan’s possible entanglement and limited oxygen left.
The report mentions that had Rush survived, he might have faced criminal negligence charges. No other individual is identified as subject to investigation, though WIRED previously reported a possible criminal investigation into OceanGate by the Southern District of New York, likely about financing. The Department of Justice has not confirmed this investigation.
Relatives of Nargeolet are suing OceanGate, Rush’s estate, and other parties involved in Titan’s manufacture. Survivors of Rush and other passengers haven’t commented.
OceanGate’s statement offers condolences to the victims’ families and mentions the company ceased operations post-tragedy, dedicating resources to cooperating with the Coast Guard’s inquiry.