‘Safety Is Just A Pure Waste’: OceanGate CEO Controverial Remarks On Safety Resurfaces as Titanic Sub Expedition Ends in Tragedy
As the mystery surrounding the ill-fated Titanic submersible expedition deepens, shocking details have emerged, shedding light on a series of safety concerns that plagued the venture from the start. The resurfaced podcast interview featuring OceanGate CEO Rush Stockton has caused a storm of controversy, as he referred to safety as a “pure waste.”
Safety Disregard: CEO’s Controversial Statement Causes Outrage
In a podcast interview from November 2022, Stockton candidly expressed his views on safety, stating,
“You know, at some point, safety is just a pure waste. I mean, if you just want to be safe, don’t get out of bed, don’t get in your car, don’t do anything. “At some point, you’re going to take some risk, and it really is a risk-reward question. I think I can do this just as safely while breaking the rules.”
Stockton’s dismissive attitude toward safety has raised eyebrows and sparked outrage within the industry, calling into question OceanGate’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its crew and passengers.
Multiple Safety Concerns Plague Titanic Sub Expedition
As investigations into the ill-fated expedition continue, a series of alarming safety concerns have emerged, casting doubt on OceanGate’s preparedness and diligence. Reports indicate that the submersible had a history of malfunctions and was equipped with unconventional equipment, deviating from industry standards. These revelations have deepened the sense of unease surrounding the ill-fated voyage.
Furthermore, OceanGate’s involvement in a significant lawsuit has shed light on further worries about the submersible’s safety. Former employee David Lochridge, who was responsible for crew and client safety, was terminated after raising concerns and demanding more rigorous safety checks. Court documents obtained by The Sun reveal Lochridge’s contention that the vessel was ill-equipped to descend to the extreme depths necessary for exploring the Titanic wreckage.
In response to Lochridge’s claims, OceanGate retaliated by suing him for disclosing confidential information about the Titan. Lochridge, in turn, filed a counterclaim alleging wrongful termination as a whistleblower who had exposed issues related to the vessel’s quality and safety. The legal dispute was eventually settled out of court in November 2018, highlighting the seriousness of the concerns raised.
Communication Breakdown: Delay in Reporting Raises Questions
Adding to the growing list of concerns, it has been revealed that OceanGate failed to promptly notify the authorities when contact was lost between the submersible and the transport vessel.
Despite the breakdown occurring less than two hours into the expedition, the US Coast Guard was only alerted eight hours later, the Mirror reveals. This significant delay has drawn criticism and intensified scrutiny surrounding OceanGate’s adherence to safety protocols and their ability to respond swiftly to potential emergencies.