Title: Lawsuit Alleges Negligence in Submersible’s Design and Construction Leading to Fatal Implosion During Titanic Dive
Introduction:
The tragic incident involving the implosion of a submersible during a dive to the Titanic shipwreck has prompted a wrongful death lawsuit from the family of Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a renowned explorer who lost his life in the accident. The lawsuit claims that the company operating the submersible, OceanGate, is responsible for Nargeolet’s death and the subsequent implosion. This narrative delves into the details of the lawsuit, shedding light on the alleged negligence in the design and construction of the submersible, while also examining previous warnings and concerns raised by experts.
Negligence in Construction and Design:
According to the wrongful death lawsuit, OceanGate was repeatedly warned by deep-sea diving experts and engineers about the potential fatal consequences of their choices and actions. The lawsuit highlights that the submersible, named Titan, was not equipped to dive to the Titanic due to its construction with carbon fiber instead of the typical titanium used by builders. Furthermore, crucial components such as the porthole were not built to withstand the immense pressure at the depths where the Titanic lies.
Misleading Information and False Impressions:
Nargeolet’s family asserts that OceanGate and its owner, R.S. Rush III, misled him regarding the safety and seaworthiness of the submersible. They claim that Nargeolet was given the false impression that Boeing had assisted in the development of Titan, which Boeing later denied. The lawsuit suggests that Rush and OceanGate actively fostered these false impressions, failing to disclose all the material facts about the vessel’s design and construction to Nargeolet.
The Involvement of Other Defendants:
The lawsuit also names Electroimpact, Janicki Industries, and Hydrospace Group as defendants, as they were involved in building parts of the submersible. However, these parties have not yet responded to the allegations made.
Seeking Justice and Answers:
Seeking justice for Nargeolet’s untimely death, his family is seeking more than $50 million in damages from the defendants, including OceanGate and Rush’s estate. Tony Buzbee, one of the lawyers representing the family, emphasizes the serious issues with the Titan submersible highlighted in the lawsuit. Buzbee hopes that through this legal action, the family can uncover answers about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the individuals involved.
Previous Concerns Raised and Dismissed:
Another lawsuit, filed by a former employee of OceanGate, raised concerns about the carbon fiber hull of the submersible, emphasizing flaws in its quality control. David Lochbridge, the former employee, reportedly urged OceanGate to inspect Titan. In his 2018 report, Lochbridge warned that the craft could implode at extreme depths. Furthermore, he discovered that the viewport was only designed to withstand pressure at a depth of 1,300 meters, while the Titanic rests at a depth three times greater. However, OceanGate has refuted Lochbridge’s claims, dismissing them as false.
Conclusion:
The wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Paul-Henri Nargeolet against OceanGate sheds light on alleged negligence in the design and construction of the submersible that resulted in the fatal implosion during the Titanic dive. The lawsuit highlights the warnings issued by deep-sea diving experts and engineers regarding the submersible’s inadequacies and the misleading information given to Nargeolet. As the legal proceedings continue, the family seeks justice and answers, hoping to uncover the truth surrounding the tragic incident.
