New insights into the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible have surfaced nearly two years after the incident that claimed the lives of five individuals, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush. Recently released footage reveals the moment the sound of the catastrophe reached the ocean’s surface. In the footage, Wendy Rush, Stockton’s wife and OceanGate’s director, is seen alongside employee Gary Foss monitoring data when they hear a muffled thump as the submersible descended to 3,300 meters.
In a video clip documented by the U.S. Coast Guard and submitted for the Marine Board of Investigation, Wendy can be heard questioning Foss about a bang they heard. The Coast Guard noted that the sound correlates with the sub’s loss of communication and is believed to indicate the Titan’s implosion. Just moments later, Wendy received a message that the Titan had “dropped two weights,” signaling an attempt to adjust buoyancy.
Despite the initial relief from that message, contact was lost shortly thereafter, about 90 minutes into the dive. As the Titan, which also carried passengers Hamish Harding, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Shahzada Dawood, and his son Suleman Dawood, approached a depth of 2,288 meters, its final communications indicated that everything was “all good” before the catastrophic event.
The Titan was on a mission to view the wreck of the Titanic when it went missing on June 18, 2023. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed four days later that the vessel had suffered a “catastrophic implosion,” resulting in the deaths of all aboard. OceanGate expressed heartfelt condolences, recognizing the deep passion these men had for exploration and the joy they brought to their loved ones.
Some of the individuals involved in this incident had deep connections to the spirit of adventure. For instance, Harding was a renowned explorer known for his ambitious travels, including a space trip with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket. Nargeolet was described as a Titanic expert with extensive experience exploring the wreck site. Meanwhile, Sharma, despite his apprehension about the mission, ultimately chose to join his father on a voyage that reflected their shared interests.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with deep-sea exploration, but it also highlights the pioneering spirit of those who dare to explore the unknown. OceanGate’s commitment to exploration will no doubt continue, inspiring future adventurers to honor the memories of those who lost their lives.