NTSB Report on Titan Implosion Highlights Regulatory Gaps and Oversight Failures
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on the Titan pressure vessel, engineered by OceanGate, which imploded due to intense water pressure in the North Atlantic Ocean in summer 2023, killing all on board.
According to the report, the vessel's flawed engineering and testing process, as well as damage sustained during its 80th and 82nd dives, contributed to the catastrophic implosion. The report states that the pressure vessel "likely" developed weak spots after its 80th dive, making the hull weaker, and further damage of unknown origin occurred after its 82nd dive.
The Titan’s pressure vessel “likely” sustained damage after its 80th dive or descent into the ocean before resurfacing, developing one or more weak spots, which made the hull even weaker.
The incident resulted in the deaths of four passengers, including the pilot and CEO of OceanGate, who were attempting to reach the site of the Titanic wreck.
Author's summary: NTSB report reveals flaws in OceanGate's engineering and testing process.