'OceanGate were warned' about Titan sub safety, says Titanic director James Cameron - BBC News

Titanic director and submersible expert James Cameron has told the BBC that the deep submergence community had previously raised concerns about OceanGate's vehicle, and had even written to the company saying telling them "you are going on a path to catastrophe".

He compared the Titan's tragedy to the loss of the Titanic itself and her crew in 1912, calling it a "terrible irony".

"We now have another wreck that is based on unfortunately the same principles of not heeding warnings," he said, following the discovery of debris from the sub in the ocean.

All five men on board were killed when the sub imploded.

#Titanic #TitanicSub #BBCNews

[chrisc]

James Cameron is so articulate and heartfelt in his response to this tragic case!

[vitorpereira]

The owner of Oceangate received so many notices warning of the dangers that I do not consider the tragedy an accident, but a murder–suicide.

[ArtyDrawz]

The thing that saddens me is that the 19 year old went along with his father to please home for Father’s Day :’( He was “Terrified” of going but went because his father asked home too.. Poor guy had a longer life to live then all the others on board, RIP

[susanadams-wauro]

Truly preventable. Safety is not an "option" or a line on a waiver...it needs to be a requirement.

[blueskiesforever]

I truly respect Mr Cameron regarding his safety measures. Very intelligent & thoughtful man

[viperviperpiro]

Safety is a paramount concern in every aspect of our lives, and nowhere is it more crucial than in the field of engineering. From designing intricate structures to developing complex systems, engineers bear the responsibility of safeguarding lives, property, and the environment. The commitment to engineering safety not only prevents tragic accidents but also minimizes the potential for costly losses. By prioritizing safety measures and implementing rigorous protocols, engineers play a vital role in creating a world where both human lives and resources are protected. Engineering safety directly impacts human lives, and the preservation of life should always be the foremost objective. Sad in this case. RIP.

[anasshahid]

James Cameron has done 33 dives to the titanic, along with documentaries on the ocean, he’s absolutely right, he has the right knowledge, Ocean Gate needed to get their submersible certified, heartbroken for the 5 passengers who lost their lives.

[propagandaaccount]

Ambitious people who cut corners are very dangerous people. RIP to all the deceased

[yamato]

I think in future a documentary or movie will be made of tragedy. Cameron gave some good facts. He is right about safety first when taking tourists to bottom of ocean.

[MilkBeard]

Last week a boat with 750 people sank in what is being called the worst Mediterranean sea capsize event. 300 died. If they would have received even 1/3rd of the response that ocean gate did, none would have died. They literally flew helicopters above it but didn't send out big enough rescue boats.

No one in your tax bracket would have received naval ships and multiple countries worth of effort to be saved like this joke was. 300 people died in a clearly visible transit vessel last week while 5 people driving a minivan miles deep underwater for a thrill ride get a humanitarian efforts worth of resource put out towards their rescue.

If anyone truly believes that life is life, then why isn't this the conversation you should be having? What about the people dying of hunger and thirst? Like actual preventable deaths are still going unrecognized

[mrclasspcwizard]

Signing a waiver doesn't just mean you're signing your life away and agree to be put in a suicidal craft. Oceangate should be prosecuted for safety negligence. No, they did not do their upmost best efforts to ensure the safety of their clients. Now that their company is in disarray after losing their CEO, I hope one of the victim's families pursue legal action against them and shut them down for good.

[amfa]

Unlicensed, unapproved, uninsurred speaks volumes.

[annikaelisaa]

They treated this thing like it was some kind of middle school science project. These deaths were so unnecessary:(

[TGSBLH]

The CEO is probably quite fortunate to be one of the 5 on board because if he was here now he'd be under immense pressure.

[seanjosephhayes]

Brilliantly said by Jim. Everything that I’ve also thought. Infuriating that Rush decided to ignore all of those completely valid and relevant points. That’s arrogant rich people for you though. RIP to his victims.

[Rgb]

This is the final resting place of all those who when down with the titanic, it should not be disturbed.

[oobek]

Small submarine can be found... Malaysian Airlines plane so big yet can't be found. Very strange 😊😊😊😊😊

[BdManus]

It had 12 successful dives, but the company didn't learn or inspect the craft properly. RIP.

[thethrowawaythatstayed]

James Cameron is a treasure. I’ve always admired how seriously he takes the safety of those he dives with.

[SiLoMixMaster]

A lot of people are unaware that James Cameron has dived to Titanic more than 30 times. In addition to being considered an elite deep sea expert, he also advanced the technology in order to do so. He designed his own submersible that took him into the Mariana Trench in 2012 which made him the first person to do it solo (and only 1 of 3 to have ever done it up to that point). So, if it sounds like he knows what he's talking about in this interview, he does -- Furthermore, Cameron is friends with Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who discovered Titanic.