OceanGate CEO ‘asked accountant to pilot’ sub after firing ex-captain

Edward Cassano, CEO of Pelagic Research Services on finding and recovery of the Titan Submersible

OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush sacked his chief pilot for raising safety concerns regarding the Titan, a new report has revealed. He then asked a former OceanGate finance director to become head pilot, however, she refused and quit, as she said: “I could not work for Stockton. I did not trust him.”

According to The New Yorker, David Lochridge, the Director of Marine Operations at OceanGate, was responsible for ensuring the safety of all crew and clients during the mission to explore the wreckage of the Titanic. 

His role included assessing the design and safety of the ill-fated submersible as well as serving as its pilot.

In 2017, while the company was making preparations for the first manned tests of the vessel in the Bahamas, Mr Lochridge grew concerned over the safety of the Titan.

Mr Lochridge’s tenure at OceanGate was marred by clashes with Mr Rush and Tony Nissen, the company’s director of engineering, regarding critical design and safety issues. 

READ MORE Boy, 13, lost consciousness on Titanic sub after ‘safety issue'[LATEST]

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Concerns were raised about the Titan’s buoyancy and structural integrity and Mr Lochridge’s concerns escalated as OceanGate prepared for manned sea trials of Cyclops II, which included potential risks of catastrophic failure. 

As Director of Marine Operations, Mr Lochridge had a contractual obligation to ensure the safety of all crew and clients, adding further weight to his worries.

Despite raising questions about potential flaws in the design and build processes, Mr Lochridge’s concerns were dismissed by OceanGate, the report claimed.

The company contended that such matters were beyond his responsibilities, stating: “He was ‘not hired to provide engineering services, or to design or develop Cyclops II.'”

Don’t miss…
Titan widow gives tragic details and view on what last minutes were like[REVEAL]
Doomed Titanic sub’s remains were found ‘almost immediately’ by rescue robot[LATEST]
Mystery still surrounds Titanic sub ‘banging’ as expert gives view on noise[INSIGHT]

However, before the submersible’s handover, Mr Rush instructed Mr Lochridge to conduct an inspection, as part of his job description included signing it off for deployment. 

Mr Lochridge’s inspection found defects and safety hazards, including glue detachment and mounting bolts threatening to rupture ballast bags as well as highly flammable flooring and emission of toxic gases from interior vinyl wrapping.

The most alarming revelation was in the carbon-fibre hull, as Mr Lochridge discovered visible signs of delamination and porosity. 

Concerned about potential structural failure, he concluded that a full scan of the hull was necessary for safe diving operations.

He said: “Verbal communication of the key items I have addressed in my attached document have been dismissed on several occasions, so I feel now I must make this report so there is an official record in place.”

That day a meeting was called and, after two hours of discussions Mr Rush, fired Mr Lochridge.

Still in need of a pilot, Mr Rush attempted to recruit the company’s director of finance and administration as the new chief submersible pilot, but she declined, and said: “I could not work for Stockton. I did not trust him.” 

This revelation comes just weeks after the Titan tragically imploded on its way to the sea floor and all five people on board died.

Source: Read Full Article