Accidental

  Now we know the fate of those on that mini-sub. It's a tragic loss and one that will be remembered. There will be much discussion concerning that, but the bottom line is, they knew what they signed up for. The cost to take the chance was 300,000 for each passenger. They went through extensive training and signed all the documents, disclaimers and releases. Everyone was well aware that it was a calculated risk. Sadly, all that is left to do is grieve. As to whether the quest will continue to make visits to Titantic a tourist attraction once again that remains to be seen. It's my thinking that it will indeed continue. Many have died in other attempts using various means to break records, be the first, or because it was there. Mount Everest has an estimated 200 bodies lost on its' slopes with more people climbing every day. All of this is risky business. 

 For the next few weeks or months all the experts will be weighing in on television shows and social media. I'm certain Facebook has a good number of submersible experts! The cause of the tragedy will be discussed, debris analyzed, speculation and conjecture propagated, and I expect some form of memorial service performed. Can a made for tv movie be far off? Five lives lost on an adventure they willingly embarked upon. Personally, I don't feel the need to find anyone to blame. All volunteered to go, indeed paid for the privilege. I understand it doesn't lessen the loss, does nothing for those grieving those lost lives, but it was their choice. I can say with certainty if that sub imploded at depth those inside never knew what happened to them. It is my hope that is the case, that it happened quickly, and no one suffered for any length of time. 

 I'm reminded of the time the space shuttle exploded. Challenger exploded shortly after launch killing all aboard. It was doubly tragic as it was still within sight when it happened. The cause of the tragedy was eventually determined, corrected, and flights continued. There were seven aboard that vessel. The cause was an o-ring, a simple part, just a ring of rubber or some composite material similar to rubber. The same part, an o-ring, would be vital to the operation of a submersible. O-rings provide the watertight seal! During my naval career I was assigned to repair submarine components and was trained in the use and care of o-rings and their vital function. Yes, o-rings are a very big deal! But I have read that the "window" or viewing port in that sub was in question, having never been certified as safe for the anticipated depth. There was no government certification required for that vessel. Submersibles are not subject to government regulation, especially when operated in international waters. Falling into the realm of innovation or invention they are experimental in nature. We may never know just what failed. 

 

OceanGate has undertaken 14 expeditions and over 200 dives in the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico since its founding1. The company has been attempting missions since at least 2017, and successfully reached the Titanic wreck for the first time in 2021, and then again in 2022. It has 18 expeditions planned starting this summer of 2023, according to its website. Missions take approximately 10 days, eight of which are at sea, and cost passengers $250,000 each2.

 This from Wikipedia. I hadn't heard anything about this company before this tragic incident. It was founded by a billionaire. Was the motive to make money or to advance science and provide thrills to those that could afford the price? We can all speculate about that; some will demand government intervention and control. My thinking is that all entered into this adventure willingly and well informed. I don't feel like anyone was misled about the dangers. We all take a risk driving our cars or taking a flight on an airplane. I risk my life just driving through the city of Baltimore. So, I don't think anyone is to blame. It's a tragic accident.