Theme:
- The Titan submersible implosion was a catastrophic event that occurred on June 18, 2023, making headlines worldwide. It was shocking to see an incident like this, which could have been easily prevented, take place. Let’s examine what exactly happened, who was at fault, and what measures can be taken to avert such incidents in the future.
Background:
- The Titan submersible was on a mission to observe the remains of the Titanic ship, which sank in the early 1900s.
- It happened in the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Newfoundland Island, Canada.
- The Titan submersible was a commercial submersible that was designed for deep-sea exploration.
- The submersible was operated by the American tourism and expeditions company OceanGate.
- The submersible collapsed in the deep sea, resulting in the loss of all five individuals on board, including the pilot.
Why did it fail?
- The exact cause of the failure is still unknown, but the reports suggest that it failed due to implosion, which is when something collapses inward.
- It happened due to high underwater pressure.
- One reason for this is said to be the failure of its pressure hull, whose job is to keep the interior at a safe pressure.
- The Titan submersible was built to withstand high underwater pressure, but despite that, it failed.
- The submersible was said to be 3,500m below sea level when it lost contact with the surface.
- At that deep under the sea, the weight of the water on the submersible was equivalent to the weight of the Eiffel Tower.
How can countries prevent incidents like this?
- The foremost action to prevent incidents like this from happening is to establish strict safety regulations for deep-sea exploration.
- Setting minimum safety standards for crew training.
- Regulations should cover strict guidelines for the design, construction, and operation of submersibles.
- Educating the public about the risks of deep-sea exploration. This will help to deter people from undertaking risky expeditions without proper training and preparation.
Why People and Companies Pursue Risky Expeditions?
- Some individuals are drawn to the adrenaline rush and excitement that comes with embarking on risky expeditions. The element of danger can add a sense of thrill and adventure that they find lacking in their everyday lives.
- The prospect of descending to great depths in a submersible to view the Titanic wreckage held an undeniable allure of excitement and adventure. The opportunity to explore the ocean’s depths and witness a historical site firsthand was a thrilling prospect for those on the expedition.
- Engaging in risky activities can sometimes be linked to a desire for social recognition and status. People may seek admiration from peers or society for their daring exploits, as these achievements can be seen as unique and awe-inspiring.
- OceanGate saw a chance in the growing demand for unique deep-sea exploration. The Titanic’s historical significance made it appealing, letting OceanGate take chances and earn a lot of money. Similarly, companies offer risky expeditions due to exclusive demand, which can raise prices and profits.
Conclusion:
The Titan submersible implosion serves as a harsh reminder of the potential dangers tied to risky expeditions. It’s essential not to naively believe companies’ promises; we must exercise caution, especially when claims sound too good to be true. Implementing stricter new rules is crucial for stopping such incidents from happening again. We need to balance excitement with safety, so everyone stays protected. This sad event reminds us to explore wisely and keep both people and adventure safe.
Photo by Jeremy Bishop
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References:
Copyright @ Group Discussion Ideas. Topic suggested by Rewant.
