Former operations director David Lochridge sheds light on a previous incident involving CEO Stockton Rush and a wrecked vessel, revealing a pattern of safety concerns and internal conflicts within OceanGate Expeditions.
In a gripping testimony before Coast Guard investigators, David Lochridge, former operations director of OceanGate Expeditions, unveiled a troubling narrative of a past mission that ended in disaster. The incident, which occurred in 2016 at the wreck site of the Andrea Doria, foreshadowed the tragic fate of the Titan submersible and its crew in 2022.
Lochridge, the sole qualified submersible pilot at OceanGate, recounted his clash with CEO Stockton Rush over piloting the Cyclops 1 vessel to the shipwreck. Despite Lochridge's safety concerns and objections, Rush insisted on taking control, leading to multiple system failures and the eventual wreckage of the vessel.
Insider's Testimony Unravels Troubled Past Missions at OceanGate
Lochridge described Rush's recklessness and lack of experience, alleging that he ignored warnings and refused to hand over the controls until pressured by a client. The incident culminated in Rush throwing a PlayStation controller at Lochridge's head.
Lochridge's testimony extended to his concerns about the Titan submersible, which imploded during a mission to the Titanic wreck last year, killing all five on board. He had previously raised safety issues in a 2018 report, stating, "There was no way I was signing off on this."
Insider's Testimony Unravels Troubled Past Missions at OceanGate
His lack of confidence in the Titan's safety led him to refuse authorization for manned tests of the submersible. Lochridge was subsequently sued by OceanGate for disclosing confidential information, but he countersued, alleging that he was fired for voicing his concerns.
OceanGate's former finance and human resources director, Bonnie Carl, corroborated Lochridge's concerns, characterizing the Titan as "unsafe." Internal documents and Lochridge's inspection report revealed numerous issues that posed "serious safety concerns."
Insider's Testimony Unravels Troubled Past Missions at OceanGate
Lochridge painted a grim picture of OceanGate's priorities, claiming that the company's focus was primarily on profit, with little emphasis on science or safety. He felt exploited as a "show pony" used to attract paying clients.
The testimony also shed light on OceanGate's impatience to launch its unconventional submersible, prompting concerns about the company's willingness to compromise safety for publicity. The investigation into the Titan's implosion is ongoing, but Lochridge's testimony has raised serious questions about the company's operating practices.
Insider's Testimony Unravels Troubled Past Missions at OceanGate
Rush's widow, Wendy Rush, was not expected to testify during the hearing, raising questions about the reasons behind her absence. The Coast Guard has not provided an explanation, stating that it is common to hold multiple hearing sessions or conduct witness depositions in complex cases.
The testimony of David Lochridge has unveiled a troubled history at OceanGate Expeditions, highlighting safety concerns and internal conflicts that may have contributed to the tragic loss of lives in 2022. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the exact cause of the Titan's implosion and make recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Insider's Testimony Unravels Troubled Past Missions at OceanGate
