OceanGate, the company behind the ill-fated expedition to explore the wreckage of the Titanic, finds itself in the midst of a turbulent situation.

Before the recent disappearance of their submersible, the company faced a significant lawsuit from a former employee who alleged he was wrongfully terminated for raising serious safety concerns about the vessel’s diving capabilities, according to reports from Fox News. 

The lawsuit revolves around David Lochridge, a former OceanGate employee who refused to grant approval for manned tests of the submersible due to his apprehensions about its safety. In response, OceanGate filed a lawsuit against Lochridge, accusing him of breaching confidentiality agreements. Lochridge, in turn, filed a counterclaim stating that he was fired by the company for speaking out about the vessel’s safety issues.

According to Lochridge’s counterclaim, he had conducted an inspection that revealed numerous safety concerns with the submersible. The inspection report detailed the issues and provided recommendations for corrective action.

Moreover, during a crucial meeting attended by OceanGate’s CEO, human resources director, and engineering director, Lochridge discovered a critical piece of information. The forward viewport, essential for underwater visibility, was only certified for depths of 1,300 meters, significantly below the intended diving depth of 4,000 meters as planned by OceanGate.

Shockingly, Lochridge learned that OceanGate had opted not to invest in a viewport that met the required depth standards. Instead of addressing the concerns raised or seeking appropriate corrective measures, the company swiftly terminated Lochridge’s employment, giving him a mere ten minutes to leave the premises.

The lawsuit, initially reported by The New Republic, has brought attention to the controversies surrounding OceanGate even before the recent incident involving the missing submersible.

The Titan submersible, carrying OceanGate’s CEO Stockton Rush, British businessman Hamish Harding, members of a prominent Pakistani family, Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, and Paul-Henry Nargeolet, a former French navy officer renowned for his expertise on the Titanic, disappeared during the expedition. A frantic international rescue effort is underway, as the submersible’s oxygen supply is estimated to run out by Thursday morning.

The incident has not only sparked concern for the missing submersible’s occupants but also raised questions about safety standards, decision-making processes, and accountability within OceanGate. The troubled history of the company, as highlighted by the previous lawsuit and allegations of safety negligence, adds further complexity to the situation.

As the search continues and hope for a successful rescue persists, the focus on OceanGate intensifies. The company now faces the challenge of addressing the safety concerns raised and providing explanations for their decision-making. The outcome of this incident will undoubtedly shape the future of OceanGate, potentially affecting its credibility and the confidence of those involved in its operations.

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