Update: OceanGate’s website is currently inaccessible as of this writing.
OceanGate Expeditions is under fire for continuing to promote trips to the Titanic shipwreck on its website, even after a devastating incident claimed the lives of all five passengers aboard its submersible. The company has listed two missions to the wreckage in 2024, scheduled for June 12-20 and June 21-29, each costing $250,000 per person.
The advertised package includes a submersible dive, private accommodations, comprehensive training, expedition gear, and all meals during the voyage. OceanGate describes the expedition as an opportunity to explore the iconic wreck, located 380 miles offshore and 3,800 meters below the surface, while also contributing to scientific research efforts.
The eight-day journey begins in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, where participants meet the expedition crew and board the vessel that will transport them to the Titanic wreck site. The first leg of the expedition involves a 400-nautical-mile journey to the site, providing travelers with an introduction to life on a working vessel. The following day involves a North Atlantic sailing to the dive site, followed by four days dedicated to exploring the 12,500-foot-deep wreckage aboard the Titan submersible.
OceanGate claims to have content experts on board, including renowned Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, who tragically lost his life during the recent disaster. Other victims include OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, and prominent Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son, Sulaiman Dawood.
Critics have directed their attention towards Rush, who was piloting the ill-fated submersible. Rush has faced intense scrutiny for allegedly disregarding significant safety concerns while charging exorbitant fees to wealthy tourists for the opportunity to visit the iconic wreck.
The tragedy occurred on June 18 when the Titan submersible experienced a catastrophic implosion, resulting in the immediate loss of all passengers. Pelagic Research Services, a Massachusetts-based company specializing in deep-sea rescue equipment, recovered debris from the site, including “presumed human remains.” The U.S. Coast Guard has announced that the evidence will be transported to an American port for further analysis and testing by the Marine Board of Investigation.
Information for this briefing was found via New York Post and sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
