Latest news with #Pakistani-British
Arabian Post
4 days ago
- General
- Arabian Post
Titan sub tragedy: Dubai businessman's death deemed avoidable
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The tragic death of a Dubai-based businessman aboard the Titan submersible could have been prevented, according to a detailed report. The incident, which occurred during a voyage to the wreck of the Titanic, saw all five passengers on board perish when the submersible suffered a catastrophic implosion in the North Atlantic. Among the victims was Shahzada Dawood, a well-known Pakistani-British businessman with deep ties to the Middle East. The new findings from investigations suggest critical lapses in the safety measures that led to the fateful disaster. The Titan submersible, operated by the OceanGate company, was designed for deep-sea exploration and had made several successful expeditions before its ill-fated journey. On June 18, 2023, the vessel, with five people onboard, embarked on a mission to survey the wreck of the Titanic, located approximately 3,800 metres beneath the surface. However, less than two hours into the descent, the submersible lost communication, prompting immediate search and rescue operations. Tragically, the submersible was confirmed to have imploded, likely due to the immense pressure at that depth. No survivors were found. ADVERTISEMENT In the aftermath of the incident, a comprehensive investigation was launched by the US Coast Guard, with the support of OceanGate and other stakeholders. The report issued highlights several disturbing safety concerns that may have contributed to the loss of life. One of the key findings revealed that the design of the submersible was flawed, especially in terms of its pressure resistance. Titan's hull, made of carbon fibre and titanium, was found to be particularly vulnerable to the crushing pressures encountered at the extreme depths of the ocean. The report also raises alarms over the lack of sufficient safety protocols. Despite previous warnings from experts and engineers about the potential risks of operating the submersible at such depths, OceanGate proceeded without addressing these concerns adequately. Furthermore, it was discovered that the company had a limited track record of using its submersible for commercial passenger voyages to the Titanic wreck, with only a few successful trips before the disaster. This limited experience, paired with a lack of comprehensive safety testing, created a dangerous combination. Family members of those who perished in the incident have demanded accountability from OceanGate. Dawood's family, in particular, expressed deep anguish, questioning whether the submersible was subjected to the rigorous safety checks expected of high-risk deep-sea vehicles. They have since called for more stringent regulations surrounding private submersible expeditions, pointing to the inadequacies in the oversight of such ventures. OceanGate, in its defence, has acknowledged the tragic outcome of the mission, yet maintained that its technology was sound. However, the company's CEO, Stockton Rush, who also perished in the implosion, had been previously warned about the unorthodox approach to safety that the firm followed. Rush reportedly ignored concerns from industry professionals and regulators, focusing instead on meeting the growing demand for expeditions to the Titanic wreck. This pursuit of speed and innovation, while admirable, ultimately cost lives. The findings have sparked wider conversations about the regulation of private deep-sea expeditions. While the ocean exploration industry continues to grow, the Titan tragedy has underscored the need for a more robust framework to ensure the safety of passengers and crew alike. Calls for stricter regulatory oversight, including the requirement of more frequent and detailed safety checks, have gained momentum. There is growing consensus among marine engineers and experts that submersibles should undergo rigorous independent inspections before embarking on any mission.
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Tribune
Titanic sub disaster caused by operator failures: probe
AFP | Washington Multiple failures to follow basic safety protocol led to the deadly implosion of a private submersible visiting the Titanic wreckage in 2023, according to a final report published yesterday. The US Coast Guard investigation outlined a litany of issues with OceanGate's operations, as well as design flaws on its Titan submersible, that led to the high-profile disaster in which all five passengers were killed. The probe said "OceanGate's failure to follow established engineering protocols for safety, testing, and maintenance of their submersible, was the primary causal factor" for the implosion. It also accused the company of "intimidation evade regulatory scrutiny." OceanGate had a "toxic workplace environment which used firings of senior staff members and the looming threat of being fired to dissuade employees and contractors from expressing safety concerns," the report said. Explorers and tourists Company chief executive Stockton Rush, British explorer Hamish Harding, French deep-sea explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and Pakistani-British tycoon Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman died when the submersible failed on its expedition in the North Atlantic Ocean. After a loss of communications w i t h the sub, a multinational search for survivors started, captivating the world. But occupants "were exposed to approximately 4,930 pounds per square inch of water pressure" when the hull collapsed, resulting in "instantaneous death," the report said. Debris was found on the ocean floor, about 1,600 feet (500 meters) from the bow of the Titanic. In its report, the Coast Guard said that OceanGate continued to use Titan "after a series of incidents that compromised the integrity of the hull and other critical components of the submersible without properly assessing or inspecting the hull." It also identified design flaws with Titan's carbon fiber hull "that weakened the overall structural integrity." The wreckage of the Titanic sits 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland and has become a lure for nautical experts and underwater tourists since its discovery in 1985.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- The Hindu
Probe into Titan submersible implosion blames operator for 'preventable tragedy'
Multiple failures to follow standard safety protocol led to the deadly implosion of a private submersible visiting the Titanic wreckage in 2023, according to a final report published Tuesday. The U.S. Coast Guard investigation outlined a litany of issues with operator OceanGate's conduct, as well as design flaws in its Titan submersible, that contributed to a "preventable tragedy" in which all five passengers were killed. The 335-page report said "OceanGate's failure to follow established engineering protocols for safety, testing, and maintenance of their submersible, was the primary causal factor" for the implosion. It also accused the company of "intimidation evade regulatory scrutiny." OceanGate had a "toxic workplace environment which used firings of senior staff members and the looming threat of being fired to dissuade employees and contractors from expressing safety concerns," the report said. OceanGate chief executive Stockton Rush was joined on the doomed expedition by British explorer Hamish Harding, French deep-sea explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani-British tycoon Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman. Seats on the submersible cost $250,000 per person. Communications were lost with the SUV-sized submersible about an hour and 45 minutes into its dive on June 18, 2023, kicking off a dramatic search that briefly captivated the world. Instantaneous death Over two miles underwater when the hull collapsed, all occupants "were exposed to approximately 4,930 pounds per square inch of water pressure," resulting in "instantaneous death," the report said. Two seconds later, the monitoring team on the support ship "heard a 'bang' emanating from the ocean's surface, which the investigation later correlated to the Titan's implosion." Debris was found a few days later on the ocean floor, about 1,600 feet (500 meters) from the bow of the Titanic, and human remains were recovered when the sub was brought to the surface. In its report, the Coast Guard said that OceanGate had continued to use Titan despite "a series of incidents that compromised the integrity of the hull and other critical components of the submersible without properly assessing or inspecting the hull." It also identified design flaws with the unique carbon fiber hull "that weakened the overall structural integrity." The US Coast Guard said that the vessel was not "registered, certified, inspected, or classed" by any international flag administration or recognised organisation. Last year, the family of Nargeolet sued OceanGate for $50 million, accusing the US-based company of gross negligence. Known as "Mr. Titanic," he had visited the wreckage 37 previous times. Shortly after the tragedy, OceanGate halted all operations. The wreckage of the Titanic sits 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland and has become a lure for nautical experts and underwater tourists since its discovery in 1985. The ship hit an iceberg and sank in 1912 during its maiden voyage from England to New York, with 2,224 passengers and crew on board. More than 1,500 people died.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
US releases report on Titan submersible implosion
This undated image courtesy of OceanGate Expeditions, shows their Titan submersible launching from a platform. Safety failures by the OceanGate company led to the deadly 2023 implosion of its Titan submersible, the US Coast Guard said in a final report published on August 5. PHOTO: AFP Multiple failures to follow standard safety protocol led to the deadly implosion of a private submersible visiting the Titanic wreckage in 2023, according to a final report published on Tuesday. The US Coast Guard investigation outlined a litany of issues with operator OceanGate's conduct, as well as design flaws in its Titan submersible, that contributed to a "preventable tragedy" in which all five passengers were killed. The 335-page report said "OceanGate's failure to follow established engineering protocols for safety, testing, and maintenance of their submersible, was the primary causal factor" for the implosion. It also accused the company of "intimidation evade regulatory scrutiny." OceanGate had a "toxic workplace environment which used firings of senior staff members and the looming threat of being fired to dissuade employees and contractors from expressing safety concerns," the report said. OceanGate chief executive Stockton Rush was joined on the doomed expedition by British explorer Hamish Harding, French deep-sea explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani-British tycoon Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman. Seats on the submersible cost $250,000 per person. Communications were lost with the SUV-sized submersible about an hour and 45 minutes into its dive on June 18, 2023, kicking off a dramatic search that briefly captivated the world. Over two miles underwater when the hull collapsed, all occupants "were exposed to approximately 4,930 pounds per square inch of water pressure," resulting in "instantaneous death," the report said. Two seconds later, the monitoring team on the support ship "heard a 'bang' emanating from the ocean's surface, which the investigation later correlated to the Titan's implosion." Debris was found a few days later on the ocean floor, about 1,600 feet (500 meters) from the bow of the Titanic, and human remains were recovered when the sub was brought to the surface. In its report, the Coast Guard said that OceanGate had continued to use Titan despite "a series of incidents that compromised the integrity of the hull and other critical components of the submersible without properly assessing or inspecting the hull." It also identified design flaws with the unique carbon fiber hull "that weakened the overall structural integrity." The US Coast Guard said that the vessel was not "registered, certified, inspected, or classed" by any international flag administration or recognized organization. Last year, the family of Nargeolet sued OceanGate for $50 million, accusing the US-based company of gross negligence. Known as "Mr. Titanic," he had visited the wreckage 37 previous times. Shortly after the tragedy, OceanGate halted all operations. The wreckage of the Titanic sits 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland and has become a lure for nautical experts and underwater tourists since its discovery in 1985. The ship hit an iceberg and sank in 1912 during its maiden voyage from England to New York, with 2,224 passengers and crew on board. More than 1,500 people died.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Probe blames operator for 'preventable' Titanic sub disaster
This undated image courtesy of OceanGate Expeditions, shows their Titan submersible launching from a platform. Safety failures by the OceanGate company led to the deadly 2023 implosion of its Titan submersible, the US Coast Guard said in a final report published on August 5. PHOTO: AFP Listen to article Multiple failures to follow standard safety protocol led to the deadly implosion of a private submersible visiting the Titanic wreckage in 2023, according to a final report published Tuesday. The US Coast Guard investigation outlined a litany of issues with operator OceanGate's conduct, as well as design flaws in its Titan submersible, that contributed to a "preventable tragedy" in which all five passengers were killed. The 335-page report said "OceanGate's failure to follow established engineering protocols for safety, testing, and maintenance of their submersible, was the primary causal factor" for the implosion. It also accused the company of "intimidation evade regulatory scrutiny." OceanGate had a "toxic workplace environment which used firings of senior staff members and the looming threat of being fired to dissuade employees and contractors from expressing safety concerns," the report said. OceanGate chief executive Stockton Rush was joined on the doomed expedition by British explorer Hamish Harding, French deep-sea explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani-British tycoon Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman. Seats on the submersible cost $250,000 per person. Communications were lost with the SUV-sized submersible about an hour and 45 minutes into its dive on June 18, 2023, kicking off a dramatic search that briefly captivated the world. Over two miles underwater when the hull collapsed, all occupants "were exposed to approximately 4,930 pounds per square inch of water pressure," resulting in "instantaneous death," the report said. Two seconds later, the monitoring team on the support ship "heard a 'bang' emanating from the ocean's surface, which the investigation later correlated to the Titan's implosion." Debris was found a few days later on the ocean floor, about 1,600 feet (500 meters) from the bow of the Titanic, and human remains were recovered when the sub was brought to the surface. In its report, the Coast Guard said that OceanGate had continued to use Titan despite "a series of incidents that compromised the integrity of the hull and other critical components of the submersible without properly assessing or inspecting the hull." It also identified design flaws with the unique carbon fiber hull "that weakened the overall structural integrity." The US Coast Guard said that the vessel was not "registered, certified, inspected, or classed" by any international flag administration or recognized organization. Last year, the family of Nargeolet sued OceanGate for $50 million, accusing the US-based company of gross negligence. Known as "Mr. Titanic," he had visited the wreckage 37 previous times. Shortly after the tragedy, OceanGate halted all operations. The wreckage of the Titanic sits 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland and has become a lure for nautical experts and underwater tourists since its discovery in 1985. The ship hit an iceberg and sank in 1912 during its maiden voyage from England to New York, with 2,224 passengers and crew on board. More than 1,500 people died.
