In a shocking turn of events, the highly anticipated expedition by OceanGates’ Titan submersible ended in tragedy as the vessel imploded underwater, claiming the lives of all five passengers on board. The disaster has drawn the attention of renowned filmmaker and diving expert, James Cameron, who highlighted significant concerns regarding the construction and safety protocols of the ill-fated submersible.
James Cameron, the acclaimed director of “Titanic” and a respected figure in the world of diving and submersibles, spoke out about the incident during interviews with ABC News and The New York Times. Cameron, who boasts extensive experience exploring the depths of the ocean, voiced his deep knowledge of the Titanic wreck site, having made 33 dives and spent a significant amount of time studying the iconic ship.
Drawing from his expertise as a submersible designer, Cameron emphasized that the implosion of the Titan submersible could be attributed to its improper construction. He pointed out that the vessel was constructed using carbon fiber, a material known for its strength and lightness but lacking sufficient compression strength. Cameron described the implosion as an incredibly violent event, comparing it to the force of ten cases of dynamite detonating.
Furthermore, Cameron underscored the importance of rigorous safety protocols and certification procedures in the field of deep submergence. He revealed that, unlike other submersibles, the Titan did not undergo certification, which raised concerns within the deep submergence engineering community. Cameron noted that several prominent experts had written letters to OceanGates, cautioning against the experimental nature of the submersible and emphasizing the need for certification before carrying passengers.
Cameron drew a parallel between the Titan disaster and the infamous sinking of the Titanic itself, noting the similarities in disregard for warnings and the resulting loss of lives. He highlighted the crucial need for responsible decision-making and adherence to safety guidelines in the realm of deep-sea exploration.
The tragedy has ignited discussions within the diving and engineering communities, calling for a reevaluation of safety standards and stricter regulations surrounding submersible construction and certification. Experts are urging companies involved in underwater exploration to prioritize passenger safety and ensure that proper protocols are in place before embarking on ambitious ventures.
‘Titanic’ director James Cameron on the ‘catastrophic implosion’ of Titan submersible: “I’m struck by the similarity of the Titanic disaster itself, where the captain was repeatedly warned about ice ahead of his ship and yet he steamed at full speed into an ice field.” pic.twitter.com/vO8JkCXS5f
— ABC News (@ABC) June 22, 2023
