Meet the Titan’s Pilot
Stockton Rush, 61 and CEO of OceanGate and one of five people on the missing submersible in the North Atlantic, has gained a reputation as a modern-day Jacques Cousteau—an adventurous nature lover and visionary.
A Disregard for Regulations
Rush has pursued his deep-sea exploration dream with unwavering enthusiasm and a disregard for regulations, a pattern that has become evident since his vessel, the Titan, went missing on Sunday night.
Breaking Rules for Innovation
Rush proudly admits to breaking rules throughout his career, believing that innovation often requires challenging the status quo and approaching problems with logic and engineering expertise.
Oxygen Running Out
US Coast Guard officials estimated that if the Titan remains intact, the vessel may have less than a day’s worth of oxygen left.
A Childhood Dream Deferred
Despite graduating from Princeton with an aerospace engineering degree, Rush’s childhood dream of becoming an astronaut was thwarted by his inadequate eyesight.
Shifting Dreams
After working as a flight test engineer for McDonnell Douglas Corporation, Rush’s dream of space travel changed when Richard Branson launched the first commercial aircraft into space in 2004. He realized that he craved exploration, not tourist experiences.
OceanGate’s Mission
Rush founded OceanGate in 2009 with the mission of increasing access to the deep ocean through innovation. As CEO, he oversees the company’s financial and engineering strategies and provides a vision for the development of crewed submersibles.
The Future Lies Underwater
Rush firmly believes that the future of humanity lies underwater, not on Mars, advocating for an underwater base as the best “lifeboat” if Earth becomes uninhabitable.
Skepticism Towards Regulations
Rush has often expressed skepticism towards regulations that impede innovation, citing the stagnation of the commercial sub industry as evidence.
Ignoring Safety Concerns
Concerns raised by employees about safety within OceanGate, including those related to the Titan’s safety and testing, have allegedly been ignored or disregarded, leading to legal disputes.
Design and Technology Questions
As search teams scour the ocean for the missing Titan, certain aspects of the vessel’s design and on-board technology, such as the use of a video game controller for steering, have raised eyebrows.
A Defense of Unorthodox Components
Rush defends the use of less sophisticated components, such as a plastic PlayStation controller, as long as key parts like the pressure vessel are sound, claiming that even if other elements fail, safety is maintained.
Implications of Cut Corners
Observations by CBS correspondent David Pogue during his trip on the Titan, including communication breakdowns and seemingly cut corners, have raised concerns about the vessel’s construction and design.
The Allure of Extreme Tourism
Extreme tourism, a high-risk industry catering to the ultra-rich seeking unforgettable experiences, aligns with Rush’s attraction to the deep sea, which he refers to as “the deep disease.”
The Quest for Unforgettable Experiences
Rush shares a common desire with his ultra-rich clients for unique and unforgettable experiences, where money is no object.
In summary, Stockton Rush’s adventurous spirit, disregard for regulations, and pursuit of innovation have shaped his career and OceanGate’s mission. However, questions about safety and concerns about the design and technology of the missing Titan have raised doubts about the balance between innovation and ensuring the well-being of those involved in deep-sea exploration.
