OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush Could Have Faced Criminal Charges If He Survived, Investigator Says

Lack of Oversight and Safety Standards

• ⚠️ OceanGate operated without the typical oversight found even on recreational vessels, as it did not file for certification or inspection with the Coast Guard.
• 💡 The company had prior experience with other submersibles and knew the certification process, having worked with the Coast Guard before.

International Operations and Jurisdiction

• ✈️ OceanGate signaled intent to operate the Titan submersible internationally and sought flagging in the Bahamas.
• ❌ The Bahamas rejected their request due to their own standards, which meant the vessel would operate outside of US jurisdiction.
• 🧩 This move, from the investigator's perspective, represents a failure in the system designed to ensure vessel safety.

Potential Criminal Charges

• ⚖️ The Marine Board recommended a referral to the Department of Justice for a separate criminal investigation.
• 🎯 The focus of this potential investigation would be on Stockton Rush, the CEO and master of the submersible.
• 📉 He is considered negligent for not complying with any standards and failing to maintain the vessel, actions that could have led to charges if he had survived.