Honoring the memory of those who perished on OceanGate’s Titan underwater vessel.
In general, obituaries gain attention for a person’s life achievements. However, occasionally it is the manner of their death that becomes the focus. This was the fate for the five individuals aboard the OceanGate Titan submersible, which collapsed in June while descending to the Titanic.
Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate and the creator of the submarine, was known for his rebellious nature. In 2022, he shared with me, “I can’t remember if it was MacArthur or someone else who said, ‘You’re remembered for the rules you break,’ and that holds true. There were many regulations that didn’t seem logical from an engineering standpoint.”
But during the ten days I spent with him last year for
A tale of a Sunday morning
I discovered that he has a great sense of humor, sharp intelligence, and is highly motivated.
I visited RMS Titanic at 10:20 AM.
I had the opportunity to meet P.H. Nargeolet, a highly skilled diver who has explored the Titanic 37 times, making him one of the most experienced in the world.
When questioned about his feelings of wonder or astonishment, he answered, “Yes, I must admit that every dive is a unique encounter. I widen my eyes like THAT when I’m in the submarine!”
On that day, he also passed away, along with three others who were traveling with him: Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood, and Suleman (Dawood’s son).
Inside the OceanGate Titan tragedy
10:01
I am inclined to make a remark about the role of risk in the pursuit of excitement for individuals like these, or perhaps even the primary goal. Alternatively, I could discuss how Stockton Rush aimed to introduce innovation and increase accessibility to deep-sea exploration. It is also worth noting that progress in science often requires sacrifices from individuals.
Unfortunately, all of this would not bring comfort to the loved ones left behind by these men – their spouses, children, and parents. P.H. even had grandchildren. For them, it is simply a feeling of loss and sorrow … for the men who have passed away and the aspirations they were pursuing.
CBS News
This story was created by Anthony Laudato and edited by Emanuele Secci.
David Pogue
Source: cbsnews.com