Titan Submersible: Director on Stockton Rush & the Tragedy
The Netflix documentary “Titan: The OceanGate Disaster” spotlights the tragic 2023 submersible implosion and the ambition of Stockton Rush. Director Mark Monroe’s film unveils the fatal flaws in the Titan submersible, specifically Rush’s choice of carbon fiber and disregard for safety protocols, despite warnings from former employees, including David lochridge, who raised serious concerns. The documentary explores Rush’s drive to emulate billionaire innovators, revealing a culture where rules were perceived as optional. News Directory 3 keeps you informed on critical issues. The film incorporates early footage of Rush’s vision for OceanGate. Given the complexities of the story, discover what’s next for further explorations.
Netflix’s ’Titan’ Doc Examines OceanGate Disaster, Stockton Rush’s Ego
Updated June 09, 2025
“Titan: The OceanGate Disaster,” a new Netflix documentary, delves into the circumstances surrounding the fatal 2023 submersible implosion that killed five people, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush. The film, directed by Mark Monroe, premiered at Tribeca Fest on June 6 and became available on Netflix June 11.
The documentary explores Rush’s background and his ambition to emulate billionaire innovators. Former OceanGate bookkeeper Bonnie Carl recalls Rush’s admiration for figures like Jeff Bezos and Elon musk, highlighting his desire to achieve similar status.
Through interviews with former OceanGate employees and whistleblowers, the film reveals how the OceanGate expedition ended in tragedy. Rush’s decision to use carbon fiber for the hull, a material never before utilized in this way, proved to be a critical flaw. Despite warnings from colleagues and experts, Rush proceeded without third-party safety classifications.
jon Bardin, head of documentary and nonfiction at Story Syndicate, said the production company conducted extensive research to determine if there was more to the story than initial headlines suggested. They found that former OceanGate director of marine operations, David Lochridge, had raised important safety concerns internally and externally.
When we met David Lochridge (former OceanGate director of marine operations ) we understood that there was a story to tell because, as you see in the film, he was shouting from the rooftops internally and then externally that something was wrong,” Bardin said.
Monroe emphasized that the documentary highlights a culture were some individuals believe rules do not apply to them. He noted that this mindset was evident throughout the OceanGate story.
There is a culture of people who exist in our society who believe that the rules don’t apply to them. That actually, it is indeed an advantage to, as they say, break stuff and move fast,” Monroe said.
Monroe also credited Lily Garrison, a producer, with finding footage documenting the early days of oceangate. This footage,capturing Rush’s vision from the begining,provides insight into his ambition and ego.
He wanted people to film him in the earliest days as he set off on this journey.We have to thank Stockton for that footage because he made deals in which the rights to the material stayed with the shooter,” monroe said.
What’s next
While “Titan: The OceanGate Disaster” offers a extensive look at the tragedy, Monroe suggests that further explorations of the story are likely, given its complexity and widespread interest.