The family of Paul Henri-Nargeolet, the renowned Titanic explorer, has filed a $50 million lawsuit against OceanGate, the operator of the ill-fated Titan submersible.
They allege gross negligence and safety oversights that led to the vessel’s catastrophic implosion, claiming the crew endured severe terror before their deaths. The lawsuit also claims the crew knew they were going to die moments before the catastrophe.
$50 Million Lawsuit Filed by Explorer’s Family
The family of French explorer Paul Henri-Nargeolet, who died in the Titan submersible disaster, has filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against the operator. They claim the crew suffered severe terror and mental anguish before the tragic incident.
Lawsuit Targets OceanGate and Founder
Seeking over $50 million in damages, Nargeolet’s family has accused OceanGate and its founder of wrongful death and gross negligence. The lawsuit, filed in Washington state court, also alleges pre-death pain and suffering.
Nargeolet’s Titanic Legacy
Nargeolet, famously known as “Mr. Titanic” for his 37 dives to the Titanic wreck, embarked on the ill-fated mission with five others on June 18, 2023. The mission aimed to explore the iconic wreckage site.
Tragedy Strikes During Exploration
The mission turned disastrous when the submersible lost contact less than two hours in. The world watched anxiously as a search-and-rescue operation scrambled to locate the crew before their 96-hour oxygen supply ran out.
Defendants Accused of Negligence
The complaint alleges the deaths were directly caused by the defendants’ persistent carelessness and negligence. OceanGate and its founder are accused of failing to adhere to industry standards.
Founder’s Risky Decisions Questioned
The lawsuit claims Stockton Rush, OceanGate’s founder, designed and operated the submersible in unconventional ways. His drive for innovation allegedly led to dangerous deviations from industry norms.
Allegations of Ignoring Expert Warnings
Rush is accused of ignoring expert warnings and using atypical materials. His focus on promoting himself as an industry disruptor allegedly compromised safety.
Controversial Material Choices
Rush opted for a carbon fiber hull, which is not typically used for deep-sea exploration. He believed titanium was too heavy, despite the risks associated with carbon fiber’s structural integrity under pressure.
Acoustic Safety System Installed
Acknowledging potential catastrophic failure, Rush installed an acoustic safety system to detect problems. However, previous dives might have already weakened the vessel’s carbon-fiber hull and connections.
Fired Safety Chief Raises Concerns
OceanGate’s head of marine operations, responsible for Titan’s safety, requested a scan of the carbon fiber hull, which enraged the founder, Stockton Rush. Rush not only refused but also fired the safety chief after the report was presented.
Expert Warnings Ignored
Despite multiple warnings, including a letter from the Marine Technology Society in 2018, Rush did not heed the advice. The suit alleges that these warnings about OceanGate’s experimental approach were entirely dismissed.
Certification Refused
Rush chose not to seek certification from the leading group DNV, believing it would be too challenging to educate their experts on Titan’s innovative design. This decision left the vessel uncertified by the industry’s top standards.
Incomplete Waivers
Crew members had to sign waivers that omitted crucial risk factors about Titan’s design and materials. The suit claims these waivers failed to disclose essential safety information.
Nargeolet Uninformed
Despite his extensive experience, Nargeolet was never fully informed about the vessel’s safety. The suit asserts that Rush and OceanGate misled him and others about Titan’s seaworthiness.
Alarming Signs
When the acoustic safety system alerted the crew to the hull cracking under pressure, the pilot tried to abort the mission. The suit describes a desperate situation with no communications or power.
Fatal Descent
The crew likely experienced sheer terror as they descended, aware of the vessel’s imminent failure. The filing suggests they heard the carbon fiber crackling, knowing their fate was sealed.
Unique Tragedy
Titan’s implosion marks the first such disaster for a commercial manned submersible. The suit highlights that no other commercial submersible has ever suffered this fate.
Notable Losses
Rush and Nargeolet perished along with British explorer Hamish Harding, Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, and his son Suleman. The tragedy claimed the lives of these notable figures.
Seeking Answers
Tony Buzbee, the family’s lawyer, expressed hope that the lawsuit will uncover the truth. The family seeks to understand how and why this disaster occurred.
Ongoing Investigation
The US Coast Guard continues to investigate the catastrophe. A hearing about the disaster is scheduled for September.
