Lawsuit Reveals Titan Sub Crew's Final Moments of Terror Before Fatal Implosion

The family of French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, who perished in a submersible implosion, has filed a lawsuit exceeding USD 50 million. They allege the crew experienced "terror and mental anguish" before the disaster and accuse the sub's operator of gross negligence. Nargeolet was among five people who died when the Titan submersible imploded during a voyage to the Titanic wreck site in June 2023.

Details of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit claims that OceanGate, the company owning the Titan, failed to disclose critical information about the vessel's durability. The attorneys for Nargeolet's estate stated that the "doomed submersible" had a "troubled history." According to the lawsuit, about 90 minutes into its dive, the Titan "dropped weights," suggesting an aborted or attempted aborted dive.

Nargeolet, known as "Mr. Titanic," participated in 37 dives to the Titanic site, making him one of the most knowledgeable individuals about the wreck. The lawsuit describes him as an employee of OceanGate and a crew member on the Titan. It also criticises Titan's "hip, contemporary, wireless electronics system," stating that none of its controls would work without constant power and a wireless signal.

Concerns About Design and Safety

Concerns emerged after the disaster about whether Titan's unconventional design and refusal to undergo independent checks contributed to its fate. The US Coast Guard quickly initiated a high-level investigation, which is ongoing. A key public hearing is scheduled for September as part of this investigation.

The lawsuit alleges that even though Nargeolet was designated as a crew member by OceanGate, many details about the vessel's flaws were concealed. Tony Buzbee, one of the attorneys on the case, said one goal is to "get answers for the family as to exactly how this happened."

Events Leading Up to the Disaster

The Titan made its last dive on June 18, 2023, losing contact with its support vessel about two hours later. After an extensive search and rescue mission that garnered global attention, Titan's wreckage was found on the ocean floor near the Titanic. The implosion killed all five aboard: Nargeolet, OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, British adventurer Hamish Harding, and Pakistani nationals Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood.

Nargeolet was also director of underwater research for RMS Titanic Inc., which launched its first expedition to the Titanic site since 2010 last month from Providence, Rhode Island. One of his notable expeditions was in 1987, shortly after discovering Titanic's location.

Legal Actions and Future Implications

The lawsuit blames OceanGate's "persistent carelessness, recklessness and negligence" for the implosion. It states: "Decedent Nargeolet may have died doing what he loved to do, but his death — and the deaths of the other Titan crew members — was wrongful." A spokesperson for OceanGate declined to comment on the lawsuit filed in King County, Washington.

Experts believe that while the exact cause of failure may never be determined, it is likely that Titan's crew realised their impending doom before dying. The lawsuit claims they would have heard carbon fibres crackling as water pressure increased on Titan's hull and experienced terror before it ultimately imploded.

Concerns about private deep-sea exploration's viability have been raised following this incident. The company holding salvage rights to Titanic is currently conducting its first voyage to the wreckage site in years.

The legal proceedings aim to uncover how such a tragedy could occur and hold those responsible accountable.