Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster Review – A Haunting Dive into Tragedy
Some true stories defy belief, and Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster, the latest documentary on Netflix, is a prime example. Crafted by the talented writer and producer Mark Monroe, this gripping film delves deep into the overarching ambition of Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, and how that ambition culminated in tragedy.
The Heart of the Disaster
The summer of 2023 ignited a media frenzy when the Titan submersible mysteriously vanished during a descent to the Titanic wreckage. Tragically, the accident claimed the lives of prominent figures, including Stockton Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, and renowned French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet. However, this documentary doesn’t merely recount the disaster; rather, it serves as a meticulously crafted interrogation into the whys and hows surrounding this event—questions that could, and should, have been avoided altogether.
Unveiling the Warning Signs
A Stark Reality
From the outset, the documentary makes it clear: this wasn’t an unforeseeable catastrophe. Through decades of archival footage, poignant interviews, and audio recordings, viewers are presented with a timeline filled with ominous signals that were repeatedly ignored. At the center of this story lies Stockton Rush and his controversial choice to build the Titan’s central cylinder using carbon fiber, eschewing the much safer titanium.
Voices Ignored
Multiple engineers and employees raised legitimate concerns about this decision. Many expressed their dismay and chose to leave when their warnings went unheeded. The film brings this focus back repeatedly, illustrating a work environment that was dangerously aligned with a cult-like obedience to Rush’s vision.
A Cinematic Reflection
Thoughts on the Presentation
Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster is deftly edited, weaving a coherent narrative that showcases the prelude to catastrophe. However, it curiously maintains a sense of detachment when examining the global response to the tragedy.
At its core, this documentary reflects a harsh truth: the powerful often escape responsibility for their actions. It lays bare the systemic failures in safety oversight that allowed this disaster to unfold. When those in positions of power—like Rush, who envisioned himself as a gigantic figure in the industry—make decisions, it often comes at a heavy cost. Lives were lost not just due to a malfunction but because of institutional negligence where the rules should have applied to everyone.
Final Thoughts
Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster goes beyond recounting an unfortunate incident; it serves as a cautionary tale about ambition unchecked by ethics and oversight. It encourages viewers to think critically about the structures of power that govern not just the high seas, but our daily lives.
Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster is now available for streaming on Netflix.
For more insights on tragic events and their implications, check out The Guardian or TIME.
