Lessons Learned from the Worst Tech Failure of 2023

The Titan Submersible Implosion

The implosion of the Titan submersible in 2023 stands as one of the most significant technology failures of the year. As the incident unfolded, it became evident that much of the disaster could have been averted through proper precautions and safety measures. This unfortunate event serves as a reminder for the tech industry to avoid the kind of hubris that led to the downfall of the sub's mastermind.

The Terrifying Depths of the Atlantic

In the summer of 2023, the world anxiously awaited news about the fate of the Titan submersible and its five passengers on their way to explore the wreckage of the Titanic. For four long days, marine investigators and concerned individuals speculated on the possible outcomes. Nightmarish scenarios of the passengers running out of oxygen or facing a slow demise circulated, until it was revealed that the submersible had swiftly imploded due to a breach in the vessel's pressure hull.

The Visionary Leader and Safety Concerns

During this time, the public began to learn more about OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who was also aboard the ill-fated submersible. Rush was known as an innovator who believed in moving fast and breaking boundaries, even in the deep sea. However, prior to the disaster, industry leaders and experts had expressed their concerns about the submersible's lack of formal safety certification. In 2018, a letter was sent to Rush, warning him that the consequences of neglecting safety could be catastrophic. Ultimately, the US Coast Guard used the word "catastrophic" to describe the submersible's implosion.

Pushing Boundaries and Ignoring Warnings

Rush had been vocal about his frustration with safety regulations in the submersible industry, considering them excessively safe and hindering innovation. He believed that safety measures became wasteful at a certain point. Despite warnings from experts, Rush and OceanGate decided to build the submersible's hull using a combination of carbon fiber and titanium instead of the standard titanium. Rush claimed that this choice significantly reduced costs. However, emails from Rush revealed a CEO determined to push the limits of the Titan submersible, disregarding pleas from experts who believed the vessel was not ready for deep-sea exploration.

Troubling Experiences and Hidden Ambitions

Previous passengers of the Titan submersible reported troubling experiences. Submersible expert Karl Stanley expressed concerns about a large cracking sound coming from the hull during a 12,000-foot plunge in 2019. Mike Reiss, a producer for "The Simpsons," also mentioned that during his four dives with the company, the submersible lost communication with the support ship each time. Furthermore, it was later revealed that Rush had ambitions beyond exploring the Titanic wreckage. He had plans to mine the seabed for oil and gas, using the Titanic expedition as a way to attract investors.

The Consequences of Negligence

The absence of safety certifications, disregarded warnings, and a pursuit of wealth at the expense of common sense culminated in the implosion of the Titan submersible, marking it as one of the most significant technology failures of the year. The MIT Technology Review aptly described the situation as Stockton Rush, the sub's creator, prioritizing wishful thinking over good engineering. Tragically, Rush and four others lost their lives due to the consequences of this negligence.

A Lesson for Innovators

The story of the Titan submersible serves as a cautionary tale for innovators in the tech industry. It demonstrates how the spirit of innovation can sometimes overshadow reality and lead to unpleasant consequences. While other tech failures occurred in 2023, such as the removal of Cruise robotaxis from San Francisco's streets and the short-lived dreams of a room-temperature superconductor, none left behind a legacy as impactful as the Titan submersible. Its tragic ending and the warning it provides are reminders for future innovators to prioritize safety and responsible engineering.

Read the original article on Business Insider—————————————————————————————————————————————
By: insider@insider.com (Lauren Steussy,Lloyd Lee)
Title: Lessons Learned from the Worst Tech Failure of 2023
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/titan-submersible-implosion-among-the-worst-tech-screwups-of-2023-2023-12
Published Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2023 23:56:58 +0000