Titan Sub Malfunctioned Days Before Fatal Dive, Reveals Science Chief
WORLD


A public inquiry revealed that the Titan sub, which imploded during its June 2023 voyage to the Titanic wreck, had malfunctioned days before, causing passengers to "tumble about." Former OceanGate scientific director Mr Steven Ross stated he was unsure if the hull was inspected afterward.
Volunteer Mrs Renata Rojas testified she saw five excited passengers depart but grew concerned when communications were lost. The last message was "all good here," shortly before the implosion.
Mrs Rojas noted that several rescue options were available if the sub had been stuck, but emphasized that nothing could have been done if the hull failed. She also recounted a 2021 incident where the sub's dome fell off during retrieval, leading to safety upgrades.
Despite the risks, Mrs Rojas felt safe during her dives and praised OceanGate's transparency. The inquiry continues into next week, addressing concerns over the submersible’s design and safety protocols.