The US Coast Guard's public hearing into the Titan submersible disaster commenced on September 16, 2023, in Charleston, South Carolina, and is set to last two weeks. The investigation aims to uncover the facts surrounding the Titan's implosion on June 18, 2023, which resulted in the tragic deaths of five passengers. Key witnesses, including former OceanGate employees, are testifying about safety concerns, engineering decisions, and the company's operational practices leading up to the incident. Notably, David Lochridge, a former operations director, raised alarms about cost-cutting measures and poor engineering practices that he believes contributed to the disaster. Other witnesses, including mission specialists, provided insights into their roles and the lack of critical decision-making during the voyage. The investigation seeks to determine if regulatory changes are needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future, with the Coast Guard emphasizing the importance of safety in the submersible industry.
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