OceanGate CEO declares safety as a mere waste in 2022.

Exploring the Depths: A Risk Worth Taking

Stockton Rush, the adventurous CEO and founder of OceanGate Expeditions, is no stranger to danger. As one of five brave souls aboard his company’s submersible, he embarked on a daring mission to uncover the secrets of the legendary Titanic wreckage, lying 12,500 feet below the Atlantic surface off Newfoundland.

In a captivating interview on the podcast “Unsung Science” with CBS News reporter David Pogue, Rush shared his passion for exploration. “My whole life, I wanted to be an astronaut,” he revealed. “But when I realized that the ocean is the universe, where life truly thrives, I knew I had found my calling.”

Rush’s background in aerospace engineering proved invaluable in the world of submersibles. “An aerospace engineering degree actually helped me navigate the complexities of the submersible world,” he explained. “Understanding compressible fluid flow gave me an edge that others lacked.”

When asked about the risks involved, Rush boldly declared, “Once you’re certain it’s not gonna collapse on everybody, everything else can fail. Your thrusters, your lights, all these things can go, but as long as the life-support systems are secure, you’ll be safe.” He emphasized the importance of meticulous attention to detail in ensuring the sub’s functionality.

Acknowledging the inherent dangers, Rush challenged the notion of excessive caution. “At some point, safety becomes pure waste,” he asserted. “Life itself is a risk, and it’s a risk-reward question. I believe I can break the rules and still accomplish this mission safely.”

Interestingly, Rush expressed more concern about the journey to the dive site than the actual underwater exploration. “What worries me is not once you’re underwater; what worries me is when I’m getting you there,” he admitted. Overhangs, fish nets, and entanglement hazards posed the greatest threats during the surface journey, requiring careful piloting techniques.

While Pogue remained on the mothership during the submersible’s descent, another team ventured into the depths in search of the Titanic. Although they ultimately resurfaced without finding the wreckage, they never lost contact with the surface.

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