Man who pulled out of the Titan sub trip explains why

The tragic end of OceanGate Expeditions’ Titan submersible trip to the Titanic has raised questions about the safety measures and decisions made by the company’s CEO, Stockton Rush. Jay Bloom, a man who initially planned to join the ill-fated expedition with his son, recently spoke out about his concerns and the unusual visit he received from Rush prior to the trip. In an interview with CNN, Bloom shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and expressed his reservations about the submersible’s safety.

Concerns and Unusual Visit

Bloom and his son, Sean, had intended to be part of the Titan submersible trip but withdrew due to mounting concerns. Bloom revealed that Rush personally visited him after he and his son voiced their apprehensions. The visit, which took place at North Las Vegas Airport, stood out as Rush arrived in a two-seater experimental plane that he had built himself. The irony was not lost on Bloom, who reflected on the CEO’s audacious risk appetite in pitching an experimental submarine adventure while arriving in a similarly experimental aircraft.

Safety Concerns and Brushed-Off Questions

Sean shared his worries about the submersible’s safety with his father, particularly questioning its structural integrity. After watching videos of Rush explaining the vessel’s workings, Sean noticed multiple red flags and expressed doubts about its ability to withstand extreme ocean depths. Despite sharing these concerns with Rush, they felt their questions were dismissed rather than addressed. Jay Bloom noted that he and his son recognized that Rush possessed a different risk appetite, with his own aviation background further reinforcing their cautious stance.

Safety Concerns and Previous Criticisms

The concerns raised by the Blooms echo those voiced by other experts and prospective passengers in the past. Reports indicate that multiple individuals had dropped out of scheduled trips due to safety concerns surrounding the Titan submersible. The vessel’s ability to circumvent stringent safety regulations by operating in international waters has drawn criticism, with experts emphasizing the importance of maintaining high safety standards in such ventures.

Rush’s Passion and the Tragic Outcome

Despite declining to participate in the expedition, Jay Bloom expressed empathy for Rush, acknowledging his passion and belief in the project. Bloom believed that Rush genuinely thought he was offering a safe and extraordinary experience to those willing to join. However, the tragic outcome of the trip, with all five people on board losing their lives when the submersible imploded, highlights the importance of ensuring safety protocols and addressing concerns to prevent such accidents.