(Clockwise from left) Hamish Harding, Stockton Rush, Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman Dawood. (Image Credit: PA, Getty, Alamy)
Passengers In Titanic Submersible Tried to Come to the Surface After Hearing Terrifying Sounds
In a recent interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, esteemed director and deep-sea explorer James Cameron shed light on the devastating events that unfolded during the Titanic submersible expedition. Cameron revealed that the implosion of the submersible Titan was likely caused by the delamination of its carbon fibre composite material and that the passengers were trying to come up to the surface after hearing terrifying sounds of what was starting to happen
The submersible Titanic, operated by OceanGate, experienced a catastrophic implosion during a deep-sea dive. Five individuals, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, lost their lives in this tragic incident. James Cameron, the renowned director of the movie Titanic and an experienced deep-sea explorer, has provided insights into the possible causes of the disaster.
Cameron’s Insightful Quotes
During the interview with Anderson Cooper, James Cameron shared several quotes that shed light on the incident and its underlying causes. He explained the concept of delamination and how it may have contributed to the implosion of the Titan submersible:
“They call it delamination when water ingress starts to force the layers of the fibers apart, and theoretically you can hear it. I actually believe they heard it with their ears, not through the sensor system in the last moments of their lives. And that’s quite a horrifying prospect.”
Cameron emphasized the unsuitability of carbon fiber composites for submersible hulls:
“It was the wrong material for submersible hulls. You can have a number of successful dives and fail later. It is quite insidious.”
He also drew a comparison between the successful use of carbon composites for internal pressure vessels, such as scuba tanks, and their failure under external pressure:
“For something that sees external pressure, all of the advantages of carbon composites go away and all the disadvantages come into play.”
Cameron’s expertise in deep-sea exploration and his extensive involvement with the Titanic wreckage make his insights invaluable in understanding the disaster and its implications.
Cameron expressed his concern over the lack of certification for the Titan submersible, which was operated by OceanGate. He criticized OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush for disregarding the importance of certification and believing that it hinders innovation.
Cameron compared this disregard for certification to the captain of the Titanic ignoring warnings about ice ahead, ultimately leading to the tragic sinking of the ship. He stressed the need for adherence to safety standards, especially when human lives are at stake.
Implications for Deep-Sea Exploration
The implosion of the Titan submersible and the loss of five lives highlight the inherent risks involved in deep-sea exploration. While accidents in submersibles have been rare in recent decades, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the deep sea. It underscores the importance of prioritizing safety measures and adhering to industry standards to ensure the well-being of those involved in deep-sea exploration. The tragic event should prompt a thorough review of design practices, material selection, and certification processes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The implosion of the Titanic submersible has sent shockwaves through the deep-sea exploration community. James Cameron’s insights into the delamination of the submersible and the flaws in its design provide valuable information for understanding the causes of the disaster.
This incident serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to safety standards and the importance of proper certifications in deep-sea exploration. The lessons learned from this tragedy should guide future endeavours and ensure the safety of those who venture into the depths of the ocean
