OceanGate’s Caribbean Link

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 23, 2023: As the relatives and friends of the five people killed when the Titan reportedly imploded on a daring dive to the Titanic mourn their loss, reports indicate that OceanGate, the parent company of the subversive vessel, has links to the Caribbean.

OceanGate, which since reports of the implosion and deaths has pulled its websites offline, is reportedly registered in The Bahamas, according to the Tribune Newspaper.

OceanGate also featured the University of The Bahamas as a partner and had even offered “The Bahamas Expedition” which had promised “an unparalleled opportunity to dive the depths of the Great Bahama Bank, venturing far beyond the limits of traditional scuba diving.”

“This immersive experience allows participants to conduct groundbreaking research on marine life, including sharks, whales, and fascinating deep-sea creatures,” the site had said before it went dark. “Explorers will also have the chance to encounter several historically significant shipwrecks that lay dormant in the deep blue waters.”

Flowers placed at an anchor at King’s Beach at the port of St John’s in Newfoundland, Canada. Paul-Henri Nargeolet, Hamish Harding, Stockton Rush, Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman, died after the missing Titan submersible suffered a catastrophic implosion while trying to reach the RMS Titanic. Picture date: Friday June 23, 2023. (Photo by Jordan Pettitt/PA Images via Getty Images)

While the exact participation and licensing details of OceanGate’s Bahamian expedition remain unclear, it’s a testament to the allure of this unique adventure.

OceanGate has in the past fostered a fruitful partnership with the University of The Bahamas. The collaboration focused on the development and execution of submersible expeditions and research-based programs. The initiative aimed to provide unparalleled learning opportunities, facilitate trans-disciplinary research and innovation, and establish networks of field stations and centers of excellence across the Bahamian archipelago, further enhancing the university’s commitment to Small Island Studies.

OceanGate’s history in The Bahamas traces back to April 2017 when the company embarked on a long-term testing program for their revolutionary Titan submersible. The vessel was put through its paces, ensuring that all operational and emergency procedures were thoroughly validated before launching any expeditions.

Interestingly, OceanGate also explored the potential for collaboration with the Island School in Cape Eleuthera. While a formal partnership never materialized, representatives from OceanGate visited the institute a decade ago, sparking discussions about using Cape Eleuthera as a base for their submarines. Though the plans did not progress beyond initial conversations, the concept showcased the region’s unique suitability due to its proximity to the underwater wall and its diverse marine ecosystem.

As efforts continue to locate the debris and the world remains captivated by the unfolding events, OceanGate’s connections to The Bahamas and their pioneering submersible expeditions add a layer of intrigue to this remarkable story.