Story: Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster raises urgent questions about accountability in the wake of the Titan submersible’s catastrophic implosion during its ill-fated 2023 expedition to the Titanic wreck. It focuses on the decisions of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush and examines the series of oversights and warnings that preceded the tragedy.Review: Three English words are among the most recognized globally: Coca-Cola, God, and Titanic. The Titanic, in particular, has long fascinated the world—not just because of the historic shipwreck itself, but also through the many narratives, films, and myths that have kept its legacy alive. So it’s no surprise that an exclusive, costly underwater tour to view the Titanic’s wreckage would capture immense attention. Yet, tragically, this modern voyage mirrored the doomed fate of the ship it sought to honor.It has now been two years since the OceanGate disaster claimed five lives: British explorer Hamish Harding; British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son, Suleman; renowned French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet; and Stockton Rush himself—the CEO and face of OceanGate. The documentary effectively conveys the unimaginable horror of their final moments.Through interviews with former employees, experts, and whistleblowers, the film pieces together how this disaster was not a freak accident, but the result of a series of ignored warnings and questionable choices. Central to this is the story of David Lochridge, OceanGate’s former Director of Marine Operations, who raised serious concerns about the Titan submersible’s safety—particularly its use of carbon fiber for the pressure hull, a material unproven at the extreme depths intended. Instead of addressing these concerns, Stockton Rush fired Lochridge and pursued legal action against him.The documentary highlights how OceanGate strategically bypassed stringent regulatory oversight. By operating out of Newfoundland, Canada, the company avoided U.S. Coast Guard scrutiny. There are unsettling revelations about the sub’s safety record—out of approximately 80 dives attempted between 2021 and 2022, only 13 were deemed successful. This statistic alone underscores the inherent risks that were overlooked or downplayed.Mark Monroe’s direction ensures that the documentary is both informative and engaging. He balances technical details with emotional depth, though the pace suffers somewhat due to extended introductions of various individuals connected to the incident. These sections could have been tighter, as the narrative only gains true momentum about a third of the way in. Nonetheless, the patience viewers invest pays off as the documentary unpacks the gravity of decisions made and opportunities missed.A particularly impactful element is the inclusion of rare footage and audio recordings that offer a chilling window into the Titan’s operations and the moments leading up to its destruction.What becomes painfully clear is that Stockton Rush’s ambition—to be mentioned in the same breath as Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos for pushing boundaries—ultimately drove him to cut corners. His desire for innovation and fame overshadowed caution, and his wealth and privilege perhaps fed a dangerous overconfidence. In the end, the documentary positions Rush’s choices as the core reason behind this preventable tragedy.If you’re drawn to real-life cautionary tales where human ambition collides with nature’s unforgiving power, Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster is well worth your time. It’s a stark reminder of the cost of hubris beneath the waves.
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