A newly released image reveals alarming flaws in the Titan submersible's construction years before its fatal implosion.

According to Daily Mail, the U.S. Coast Guard has shared a photograph from 2021 showing the Titan's dome detaching after a dive. This highlights serious safety concerns that preceded the tragic incident in 2023.

The image, taken two years prior to the submersible's catastrophic implosion, depicts the hull falling off as the vessel was being lifted to the surface. This revelation adds to a growing list of issues reported with the Titan in the years leading up to the disaster that claimed five lives last July.

Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Troubling Incidents

Fred Hagen, a passenger on several Titan missions, provided testimony at a hearing investigating the tragedy. He described a harrowing incident from 2021 where bolts holding the dome in place "shot off like bullets" after the submersible's nose collided with the deck.

Renata Rojas, who monitored the 2021 expedition from the surface, corroborated Hagen's account. She noted that prior to its descent, everything on the submersible appeared to be "working very smoothly." However, upon retrieval, she witnessed the dome's detachment, which was secured by only two or four bolts at the time.

Following this incident, crews reportedly increased the number of bolts securing the dome to 18 for subsequent expeditions. Despite these modifications, Rojas maintained that she never felt unsafe during her trips on the Titan.

Patterns of Malfunctions And Safety Concerns

Hagen's testimony revealed additional issues he encountered during his dives with OceanGate. He recounted a 2022 expedition that was aborted when the thruster failed upon reaching the seafloor, preventing navigation to the Titanic wreckage site.

Steven Ross, a marine scientist and crew member on a dive that occurred less than a week before the final mission, provided further insights into the submersible's troubled history.

He testified about two incidents during 2022 expeditions, including a loud bang heard during one dive that raised concerns among crew members and passengers.

Ross stated:

The theory of the sound was that there was likely a shifting of the pressure hull in its metal cradle that when it popped back into place it could've made that loud noise.

Final Days Before The Tragedy

Scientists have speculated that the Titan's implosion may have been precipitated by a failed expedition just six days before its fatal voyage. A malfunction allegedly caused a passenger to collide with the hull's window, which is believed to have been the point of failure during the implosion.

Ross testified about an issue with the vessel's variable ballast tank, which controls buoyancy. This malfunction reportedly caused the Titan to throw passengers around the cabin, resulting in the pilot crashing into the rear bulkhead and passengers being tossed about.

Notably, Ross expressed uncertainty about whether OceanGate had inspected the Titan's hull immediately after this malfunction or before its final dive.

Lessons To Learn From This Tragedy

1. Always prioritize safety over adventure: When engaging in high-risk activities, thoroughly research the company's safety record and equipment reliability.
2. Trust your instincts: If something feels unsafe or poorly managed, don't hesitate to voice your concerns or withdraw from the activity.
3. Demand transparency: Companies offering extreme experiences should be open about their safety protocols, equipment testing, and incident history.

It's important to remember that while these lessons can help mitigate risks, accidents can still occur despite precautions. We should never blame victims for tragedies resulting from systemic failures or negligence.

Why This Story Matters

This story underscores the critical importance of rigorous safety standards in extreme tourism and exploration. It highlights the potential consequences of overlooking red flags and the need for stricter oversight in emerging industries. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with pushing technological boundaries without adequate safeguards.

The Titan submersible tragedy has exposed a series of alarming safety issues that preceded its fatal implosion. A newly released image from 2021 shows the vessel's dome detaching after a dive, adding to numerous reported incidents and malfunctions.

Eyewitness accounts describe bolts shooting off "like bullets" and passengers being thrown around the cabin during dives. These revelations raise serious questions about the submersible's design and the adequacy of safety measures in place prior to its final, ill-fated expedition.