A grim dive into the deep
When the Titan submersible went missing in June 2023 during a descent to the Titanic wreck site, the world held its breath. What began as a high-end expedition for wealthy thrill-seekers quickly turned into a global rescue operation—and, ultimately, a tragedy. Now, Netflix’s Titan: The OceanGate Disaster (streaming from 11 June) offers the most comprehensive look yet into what really happened, and why.
Directed by Mark Monroe, known for his work on acclaimed documentaries like The Cove and Icarus, the film dives into the years leading up to the implosion of the Titan sub, examining the engineering gambles, safety warnings, and personal drive of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush.
Who was Stockton Rush?
In the film, Rush is portrayed as a man chasing legacy—a self-styled innovator who believed deep-sea exploration was ripe for disruption. But instead of disrupting the field, he helped create one of the most talked-about maritime tragedies of the decade.
Watch the Netflix Trailer – click here
The Titan was no ordinary sub. Its carbon fibre hull was an engineering departure from the standard titanium and steel designs used in certified submersibles. It was lighter and cheaper—but unproven under the immense pressures of the deep ocean.
“You can’t understand the decisions unless you understand the consequences of the decisions,” Monroe tells viewers. The documentary reveals that Rush was warned, repeatedly, by engineers and former OceanGate staff that his approach was dangerous. Yet those concerns were brushed aside, often in favour of expediency and cost-cutting.
Whistleblowers, recordings, and regret
What sets Titan: The OceanGate Disaster apart from previous reporting is its use of exclusive whistleblower testimony and internal recordings. These first-hand accounts paint a picture of a company that was pushing ahead with limited testing, disregarding mounting concerns about structural integrity and passenger safety.
David Lochridge, OceanGate’s former Director of Marine Operations, had famously flagged issues with the carbon fibre pressure vessel as early as 2018. He was later dismissed, and legal disputes followed. The documentary revisits his warnings and interviews others who say OceanGate’s safety shortcuts were part of a wider culture of denial.
When purpose meets recklessness
Rush often spoke of his mission to “open up the ocean” to non-scientists, even likening himself to Elon Musk. But the documentary carefully questions whether this pursuit of a higher purpose justified the level of risk involved—especially when paying passengers were invited aboard.
As Monroe puts it: “The film critiques a segment of society who believe the rules don’t apply to them, and feel well within their rights to break them in the name of something greater.”
Rush wasn’t just a CEO; he was also the pilot on the doomed dive. His decisions, his vessel, his mission—all converged in that one catastrophic descent to the Titanic wreck site.
The implosion and aftermath
On 18 June 2023, Titan began its descent. Within hours, contact was lost. A massive international search followed, fuelled by hope and speculation. But by 22 June, hopes were dashed. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) discovered debris near the Titanic wreck. Experts confirmed the submersible had imploded, likely killing all five people aboard instantly.
Alongside Rush, those lost included French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, and pilot and adventurer Hamish Harding. Each had reportedly paid $250,000 for their seat.
A warning to the maritime world
While Titan: The OceanGate Disaster is gripping television, its message cuts deep—particularly for those in the marine industry. The documentary serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when risk management is neglected in favour of visionary ideals.
In New Zealand, where innovation in marine technology is both a strength and a point of national pride, the film should be seen as a cautionary tale. It underscores the importance of rigorous engineering standards, third-party certification, and transparency—especially in emerging frontiers like deep-sea tourism.
What it means for boating
Although few Kiwi boaters will ever venture to Titanic depths, the themes of this documentary resonate in a broader sense. From offshore cruising to commercial marine operations, the fine line between ambition and recklessness is always present. The Titan disaster is a stark reminder that seaworthiness is not a philosophy—it’s a science, and one that should never be compromised.
As Monroe notes in the film: “The greatest tragedy, and what I hope audiences come to understand, is how this disaster was completely avoidable.”
Stream it, Reflect on it
Titan: The OceanGate Disaster premieres globally on Netflix on 11 June. Whether you’re a weekend boatie or a marine professional, it’s a film that will leave you thinking deeply about the values we bring to the ocean—and the cost of forgetting them.
