British TV presenter Ross Kemp had planned to create a show last summer where he would travel to the wreck of the Titanic in an OceanGate sub. However, he later withdrew from the project due to concerns over safety.
The Rejection:
Kemp’s agent, Jonathan Shalit, stated that Kemp’s team had investigated the submersible made by OceanGate and found it to be “unsafe” and “not fit for purpose.” Despite being a renowned organization, the submersible was considered unsuitable for the project.
Insider Information:
According to an insider, when provisional inquiries were made with OceanGate, they were asked about the amount of training necessary to go down in the submersible to the Titanic, and the response was “none at all.” Further questioning by production company Atlantic led to the unraveling of any plans to use the submersible for the project.
Safety Concerns:
Discovery+ explorer Josh Gates also rejected the chance to film on Titan after safety checks “did not perform well.” Safety concerns are a significant factor when exploring the Titanic wreck, which is located approximately 12,000 feet underwater. The submersibles used for such expeditions must be able to withstand the immense pressure of the depths, and the crew must be adequately trained to handle any potential dangers.
Concerns over safety led to Ross Kemp’s decision to reject the opportunity to create a show traveling to the Titanic wreck in an OceanGate submersible. As the depth of the wreck presents significant safety risks, it is essential to ensure that the submersible and crew are appropriately equipped to handle any potential dangers.