Final Report Concludes OceanGate CEO Blamed for Titan Sub Implosion

The U.S. Coast Guard has released a scathing final report on the 2023 Titan submersible tragedy, blaming OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush for creating a dangerous and deceptive safety culture that led to the deaths of all five onboard. The 335-page report says Rush ignored repeated warnings about the sub’s carbon fiber hull and threatened employees who raised concerns. Investigators said the implosion, which occurred just seven seconds after the final message was sent to the surface, was entirely preventable.

According to the findings, OceanGate continuously cut corners, evaded regulations, and misled paying customers by labeling them as “mission specialists.” The Titan’s design, testing, storage, and dive protocols were all deeply flawed. Notably, Rush is accused of exaggerating safety margins and hull testing to gain trust. The report also found that the sub was improperly stored outdoors for months, further compromising its structural integrity. Had Rush survived, investigators say manslaughter charges would have been recommended.

Former employees, including whistleblower David Lochridge, warned years earlier that the vessel would fail, but regulators did not intervene. The report calls for new oversight frameworks for experimental vessels, both domestically and internationally, to avoid future disasters. OceanGate has since ceased operations, while the National Transportation Safety Board continues its own investigation into the implosion.