Titan hearing continues following NTSB expert revealing issues found in sub implosion debris

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — To begin the seventh day of a Coast Guard inquiry into why a submersible imploded, killing all five of its passengers, a National Transportation Safety Board chief engineer explained all the issues he found in the sub once he examined the debris.

Dr. Don Kramer, chief of NTSB’s Materials Laboratory, presented the lab’s findings when examining the debris left from version 2 of the Titan’s hull. Some anomalies listed included waviness, wrinkles, porosity, voids in the hull structure, and rubbing damage.

Dr. Kramer clarified that it is unclear whether these anomalies were present before the Titan imploded so far in the investigation.

William Kohnen, with Hydrospace Inc., testified that his company created the first window for the Titan’s hull. However, the window cracked and was not in use when the sub imploded. Kohnen also drafted the Marine Technology Society letter of concern regarding the Titan’s development, addressed to the late OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush.

This letter was never formally sent, but Rush ended up receiving one of the drafts; however, Kohnen does not know who gave it to him. Kohnen also used his time to give a brief overview of submersible history and make recommendations regarding certification and classification.

Bart Kemper with Kemper Engineering presented reports and analysis on the Titan makeup.

Thursday’s witnesses include Justin Jackson with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Mark Negley with Boeing, and John Winters with the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. 

Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Duffett with the Coast Guard Office of Vessel Compliance will close the day.

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8:56 a.m. – 8:58 a.m.

Jackson has manufactured pieces of carbon fiber up to 2 inches thick. A team of NASA engineers worked on carbon-fiber material testing with OceanGate. The team made recommendations for testing of thick carbon fiber pieces.

8:54 a.m.

OceanGate was supposed to pay over $148,000 for services but received only $40,000 and NASA returned close to $124,000.

8:51 a.m.- 8:53 a.m.

The purpose of the Reimbursable Space Act is to give companies access to NASA facilities so partnerships can work on mutually beneficial projects.

There were 14 responsibilities for NASA on the agreement which was signed in the beginning of 2020.

NASA provided remote consultation for the 1/3rd scale models but did not do any manufacturing, Jackson said.

8:50 a.m.

Jackson said the relationship with NASA and OceanGate began because they needed somewhere to build a composite cylinder.

Bob Shuman OceanGate COO originally reached out.

8:49 a.m.

Jackson did not have submersible experience before working with OceanGate.

8:48 a.m.

Jackson details educational and professional background.

8:45 a.m.

Justin Jackson with NASA called to testify.

8:33 a.m.

Hearing to reconvene at 8:45 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

Hearing in session.

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