The United States Coast Guard released the investigation report on June 5th regarding the deep-sea submersible 'Titan' explosion that occurred in June 2023. The report concludes that the main cause of the accident was the existence of deficiencies in the design, certification, maintenance, and inspection processes of the 'Titan' by OceanGate Expeditions.
This more than 300-page investigation report outlines the key findings, main causes, and contributing factors of the accident.
The investigation committee found that after a diving expedition in 2022, the hull of the 'Titan' exhibited abnormalities, but OceanGate Expeditions failed to conduct proper investigations and address the issue.
Investigators believe that OceanGate Expeditions should have analyzed and acted upon the data generated by the 'Titan’s' real-time monitoring system. However, prior to the 2023 expedition to survey the Titanic wreck, OceanGate Expeditions did not take any data-related actions, conduct any preventive maintenance, nor properly store the 'Titan.'
The chairman of the accident investigation committee, Neubauer, stated that the accident, which resulted in the loss of five lives, could have been avoided.
He said: "The two-year investigation has revealed multiple factors leading to the tragedy, providing valuable lessons to prevent similar incidents from happening again. There is an urgent need for stronger regulation."
On June 18, 2023, the 'Titan' submersible dove in waters about 1,450 kilometers east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to survey the wreck of the Titanic, losing contact approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes after departure. On June 22, the United States Coast Guard confirmed that the 'Titan' suffered a "catastrophic implosion," and all five crew members perished.