# A Critical Look at the Missing Titanic Submersible: Lessons Learned
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The Titanic Submersible Incident
Imagine the horror of being trapped in a sealed compartment at the ocean's depths, akin to being buried alive but in a bolted vessel instead of a coffin. This is the grim reality facing the five individuals aboard the missing submersible, the Titan.
The Titan, operated by OceanGate, was designed to take passengers on tours of the Titanic wreck, located approximately 12,500 feet underwater. It embarked on its journey with five passengers but failed to return. The conditions at such depths are terrifying: frigid temperatures, complete darkness, and crushing water pressure. Reaching the wreck takes about 2.5 hours, and the vessel carries oxygen sufficient for roughly 96 hours.
Currently, the hope of survival for those on board is dwindling, with rescue operations ongoing but increasingly bleak.
One of the most troubling aspects of this tragedy is how preventable it was. Safety experts had raised numerous alarms regarding the Titan long before this incident, yet those concerns were largely disregarded.
Section 1.1: Technical Flaws and Oversights
What exactly went wrong with the Titan? Let's delve into the critical issues:
Navigation via Inadequate Technology
Shockingly, the Titan is navigated using a video game controller, essentially a PlayStation joystick. While experts suggest that this might not be the primary cause of the vessel's disappearance, it raises serious questions about the seriousness with which safety is taken in such a perilous environment.
Misclassification as a Submarine
The Titan cannot technically be classified as a submarine. Unlike submarines, which are capable of operating independently, the Titan is a "submersible" that requires a mother ship for deployment and communication. This raises significant safety concerns about sending a vessel into such uncharted depths without the ability to function autonomously.
Design Flaws Favoring Capacity Over Safety
Experts highlight that the Titan's cylindrical design compromises safety for passenger capacity. For maximum safety, submersibles should ideally be spherical, which distributes water pressure evenly across the vessel's surface. However, the CEO of OceanGate, Stockton Rush, opted for a shape that accommodates more passengers, leading to tragic consequences.
Ignored Warnings from Experts
Over three dozen experts advised against the Titan's experimental outings due to safety concerns. Despite these warnings, CEO Stockton Rush chose to proceed without further testing or assessments, dismissing even the advice of his own marine operations director.
Section 1.2: The Role of Greed and Accountability
This incident compels us to reflect on the broader implications of our actions. The negligence that led to this tragedy stems from a culture that prioritizes profit over human lives.
The pursuit of profit motivated Stockton Rush to cut corners, neglect expert advice, and skip essential safety checks. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the dire consequences of greed and the need for accountability.
Chapter 2: Society’s Reflection on Value and Safety
As we grapple with the tragic loss, it’s crucial to recognize that the lives of those aboard the Titan matter, regardless of their status. They are human beings who deserve empathy, not condemnation.
In the wake of this disaster, we must learn to prioritize safety and human lives above all else. Promises of accountability must turn into action. This incident was preventable, and we possess the power to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Titanic Sub Tourism Expedition - Exclusive Footage In this video, a personal account captures the experience of submersible tourism to the Titanic wreck, highlighting both the allure and risks involved.
This Submersible Takes Passengers to The Titanic Wreck This video provides an overview of the submersible's capabilities, detailing the journey to the Titanic and the challenges faced at such depths.
Ultimately, we must strive for a society that values lives over profit, ensuring that the lessons learned from this tragedy are never forgotten.