OceanGate Co-Founder Recalls CEO Stockton Rush's Selfless Decision to Risk His Life for Safety

In the aftermath of the tragic Titan submersible voyage, which claimed the lives of five passengers, including its CEO Stockton Rush, Guillermo Söhnlein, the co-founder of OceanGate, provided testimony on the circumstances surrounding the ill-fated venture. His account shed light not only on Rush's character but also on the motivations behind their shared endeavor.

The Determination of Stockton Rush

Guillermo Söhnlein recounted how Stockton Rush, in a move that would ultimately prove fatal, insisted on conducting the Titan's first crewed test dive alone. Despite the potential risks

Motivation Beyond Profit

Söhnlein emphasized that neither he nor Rush were primarily driven by financial gain, asserting that their primary motivation was exploration. This perspective contrasted sharply with former OceanGate operation director David Lochridge's assertion that the company's primary objective was profit. Söhnlein expressed his belief that their shared vision was rooted in a profound desire to explore the depths of the ocean.

Further addressing his departure from OceanGate, Söhnlein explained that the transition from an operational phase to an engineering phase was a pivotal point. He acknowledged that Rush's expertise lay in engineering, making it logical for him to take the reins of the company. This statement highlighted Rush's capabilities while signifying a significant shift in the company's direction.

Contrasting Perceptions of Stockton Rush

While David Lochridge painted a negative picture of Rush's leadership, Söhnlein painted a more favorable portrait. He refrained from attributing blame to Rush for the fateful voyage, expressing a desire to honor the vision they both shared. Söhnlein, however, acknowledged the profound loss of life during the expedition, emphasizing that such a tragedy should never have occurred.

Hope for the Future of Deep Sea Exploration

Despite the heartbreak caused by the Titan incident, Söhnlein voiced his hope that the tragedy would not deter future efforts in deep sea exploration. He expressed a desire for others to be inspired by the mission he and Rush embarked upon, underscoring the importance of continuing to push the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration.

Investigating the Tragedy

The ongoing hearing conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard seeks to uncover the circumstances surrounding the Titan disaster. By reviewing testimonies from technical experts, crew members, and other relevant parties, investigators aim to examine the submersible's design, operation, and safety protocols. The findings of this investigation will play a crucial role in understanding the factors that contributed to the tragedy.

OceanGate's Response

OceanGate, which has since suspended all business activities, has pledged full cooperation with the Coast Guard and NTSB investigations. Expressing deep condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, the company has emphasized its commitment to shedding light on the causes of the incident through the ongoing hearing. Legal representation at the hearing further underscores OceanGate's proactive approach to addressing the situation.