OceanGate Co-Founder Supports CEO Amidst Criticism

The Tragedy of the Titanic Wreck: A Controversial Perspective

Amidst the aftermath of the devastating submersible accident that claimed the lives of five individuals, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, the co-founder of the company has come forward to defend his former partner. Guillermo Söhnlein, who started the company with Rush in 2009, believes that much of the criticism directed at Rush is unfounded and based on incomplete information.

In an interview with U.K.’s Times Radio, Söhnlein acknowledged the existence of differing opinions within the submersible community regarding design, engineering, and operation. However, he emphasized that neither he nor other experts were directly involved in the development and testing of the ill-fated submersibles, making it impossible for them to speculate accurately from an outsider’s perspective.

Renowned film director James Cameron, known for his work on the iconic movie “Titanic,” has been among the critics of Rush. Cameron argues that Rush should have recognized the limitations of using carbon-fiber materials for vessels exposed to external pressure in the deep sea. According to Cameron, these materials gradually deteriorate with each dive, rendering them unsuitable for such conditions.

The submersible’s loss of contact with the surface triggered an international rescue effort, but the chances of recovery grew increasingly slim as experts warned of dwindling oxygen supplies and the immense challenge of retrieving the craft from the depths of the North Atlantic.

Despite the mounting criticism, Söhnlein remains steadfast in his belief that Rush prioritized safety. Drawing from his firsthand experience during the early stages of the company’s development, Söhnlein attests to their unwavering commitment to risk mitigation and safety protocols.

“We were extremely committed to safety and risk mitigation was a clear part of company culture.”

OceanGate co-founder Guillermo Söhnlein says regulation is ‘sparse’ for submersibles going as deep in the ocean as the Titan did. @gsohnlein | @ChloeTilley pic.twitter.com/VgAq9MHSqd

— Times Radio (@TimesRadio) June 23, 2023

Meanwhile, Samad Dawood, who lost his brother Shahzada Dawood and nephew Suleman Dawood in the tragedy, expressed the profound anguish experienced by his family. Speaking to ABC News, he described the immense devastation and the hope they held for a successful rescue. The news of their loss shattered their hearts, leaving them grateful for the support and efforts of those involved in the rescue mission, yet devastated that their loved ones could not be brought back safely.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases