The estate of Paul Henri Nargeolet, a 77-year-old French Titanic researcher, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking over $50 million in damages following the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible in June 2023. Nargeolet, affectionately known as “Mr. Titanic” due to his extensive experience with the famed shipwreck, was among the five individuals who lost their lives in the catastrophic incident. Nargeolet, who was married with two children and had an estimated net worth of $10 million, was a well-respected figure in the deep-sea exploration community. The lawsuit, filed in Washington state where OceanGate is based, targets OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who also perished in the incident, and others, accusing them of gross negligence.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuit alleges that the Titan submersible was designed, built, and operated in a manner that deviated significantly from the norms of the diving community and industry standards. According to the lawsuit, Stockton Rush was driven by an obsession to be remembered as an innovator on par with figures like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. This ambition allegedly led him to take dangerous shortcuts in the construction and operation of the Titan, ultimately resulting in the deaths of all aboard.
The lawsuit specifically claims that the crew members on the Titan knew they were doomed in the moments leading up to the implosion. It references an acoustic safety system installed on the submersible that was supposed to detect cracking in the vessel’s carbon-fiber hull and alert the pilot to begin an emergency ascent. The lawsuit argues that this system likely alerted the crew to the imminent disaster, causing them to experience “terror and mental anguish” before their deaths.
Disputed Final Moments
Despite the lawsuit’s claims, the chair of the Marine Board of Investigation, Capt. Jason Neubauer, told The New York Times in June that there is “no evidence” to suggest the passengers were aware of their fate before the implosion. This discrepancy between the lawsuit’s assertions and the official investigation highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the final moments of the Titan’s crew. The lack of concrete evidence regarding the crew’s awareness adds a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings and the broader investigation into the tragedy.
Safety Concerns Raised
The lawsuit draws on public reporting and expert warnings that were issued prior to the Titan’s final dive. Concerns had been raised about the vessel’s ability to withstand the extreme pressures of deep-sea exploration, particularly due to its unconventional construction from carbon fiber and other unusual materials. Nargeolet, despite his extensive experience with deep-sea diving, was not an engineer or physicist and, according to the lawsuit, relied on Rush’s assurances regarding the submersible’s safety and seaworthiness. The lawsuit suggests that Nargeolet and the other crew members were operating under a “false impression” about the Titan’s capabilities.
A Pioneer’s Legacy
Paul Henri Nargeolet’s death marked the end of an illustrious career in underwater exploration. As the director of underwater research at RMS Titanic, the organization that owns the salvage rights to the Titanic wreck, Nargeolet had participated in 37 dives to the site, beginning with the first expedition in 1987. His contributions to the understanding of the Titanic and his role in numerous deep-sea explorations earned him the nickname “Mr. Titanic.”
Nargeolet’s love for his work was well-known, and the lawsuit acknowledges that he “may have died doing what he loved to do.” However, it also emphasizes that his death, along with the deaths of the other Titan crew members, was preventable and the result of gross negligence. The lawsuit seeks to hold those responsible accountable and to provide answers to Nargeolet’s family regarding how the tragedy occurred.
Seeking Justice
The lawsuit filed by Nargeolet’s estate is the first legal action taken in connection with the Titan implosion. The attorneys representing the estate, including Tony Buzbee, have stated that their goal is to uncover the truth about what happened and to hold those involved accountable. “We are hopeful that through this lawsuit we can get answers for the family as to exactly how this happened, who all were involved, and how those involved could allow this to happen,” Buzbee said in a statement.
The legal battle is likely to draw significant attention as it unfolds, given the high-profile nature of the Titan disaster and the questions it raises about the safety of private deep-sea exploration. The case could set a precedent for future lawsuits related to the incident and may prompt further scrutiny of OceanGate’s practices and the decisions made by its leadership.
Ongoing Investigations
As the lawsuit progresses, the U.S. Coast Guard is continuing its investigation into the Titan implosion. A formal hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2024, in South Carolina, where the Marine Board of Investigation will consider evidence related to the incident. The investigation, described by the Coast Guard as a “complex and ongoing effort,” has been slower than initially expected, underscoring the challenges involved in piecing together the events that led to the submersible’s destruction.
The outcome of both the lawsuit and the Coast Guard investigation will be closely watched by those in the deep-sea exploration community and beyond. As the search for answers continues, the families of those who perished on the Titan, including Paul Henri Nargeolet’s loved ones, are left to grapple with the loss and the lingering questions about how such a tragedy could have occurred.