Adding to the already tense situation, OceanGate, the expedition company that owned the ill-fated Titan Submarine bound for the Titanic, is facing significant backlash due to its continued display of advertisements promoting future Titanic trips.
This decision has exacerbated the discomfort surrounding the recent incident, which unfolded mere days ago. It is disconcerting that the company has not suspended their marketing efforts, considering the gravity of the tragedy that occurred.
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Take Titan Submarine To Explore the Titanic
The advertisements prominently feature details of upcoming expeditions to the Titanic, scheduled for 2024, specifically from June 12th to June 20th and from June 21st to June 29th. It is surprising that OceanGate has chosen to outline these future missions despite the recent incident in 2023.
The advertisements on OceanGate’s website provide extensive information, including descriptions of accommodations available during the expedition. These details encompass stateroom bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and even mention Wi-Fi connectivity on the submersible.
Additionally, the website showcases a range of multimedia content, such as photographs and videos, showcasing the captivating experience of previous expeditions. Testimonials from past participants are also featured, highlighting the excitement and adventure of exploring the Titanic wreck, which lies at a depth of 12,500 feet in the Atlantic Ocean.
Ironically, OceanGate’s marketing campaign attempts to highlight the scientific significance of the Titanic expeditions while simultaneously promoting the exceptional travel experience they provide. This stark contrast between the tragic incident and the company’s ongoing promotional efforts raises additional concerns.
It is worth noting that OceanGate had previously stated that they would “indefinitely” suspend Titanic expedition trips following the accident, making the continued visibility of the advertisement on their website all the more problematic.
The Surfacing Criticism
OceanGate and their ill-fated Titan Submarine have faced significant online criticism, with several specific concerns being raised:
Loose Construction: The submersible has been criticized for its loose construction, which reportedly consists of metal plates bolted shut from the outside. This construction method has raised questions about the submersible’s structural integrity and its ability to withstand the extreme conditions of deep-sea dives.
Reliance on a Logitech Controller: Critics have pointed out that the entire operation of the submersible relies on a Logitech controller. This choice has been seen as unconventional and raises concerns about the level of sophistication and reliability of the submersible’s control systems.
Limited Passenger Capacity: The compact structure of the submersible, accommodating a maximum of five passengers, has been a subject of criticism. This limited capacity restricts the number of people who can participate in these expeditions, potentially excluding individuals interested in exploring the Titanic wreck.
Disregard for Warnings: OceanGate has been accused of disregarding multiple warnings from advisory authorities regarding the potential dangers the submersible could encounter during its dives. This disregard for safety concerns has raised questions about the company’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew.
High Price Tag: The costly price of $250,000 per passenger for the expedition has attracted criticism. This substantial expense raises questions about the accessibility and inclusivity of these expeditions, potentially limiting participation to those who can afford such a high price.
>my playstation controller i'm using to control a submersible with 5 dudes inside
Every once in a while I come across something that makes me think to myself, “This is the future.”
— Ghostman on Third™️⚾️🖖 (@GhostmanOn3B) June 30, 2023
Gf gets pissed at me and throws away my playstation controller i'm using to control a submersible with 5 dudes inside
— Boots, 'with the fur' (@afraidofwasps) June 30, 2023
Who Were on the Titan submersible?
The ill-fated submersible named Titan, which was en route to the Titanic and experienced a catastrophic implosion carried several individuals at the time of the incident. Among them were OceanGate’s Chief Executive Officer, Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, renowned French diving expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, and his teenage son Suleman.
Tragically, the implosion resulted in the loss of all passengers aboard the submersible. The devastating outcome brought an end to an extensive search and rescue operation carried out by both US and Canadian authorities. This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the risks involved in deep-sea exploration and the importance of prioritizing safety in such endeavors.
