The tragic implosion of the OceanGate submersible, Titan, during a voyage to explore the Titanic wreck in June 2023, captured global attention. Among the lives lost in this deep-sea disaster was renowned French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, often referred to as “Mr. Titanic.” Now, his family is seeking justice through a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against OceanGate. Maritime attorney Matt Shaffer, a partner at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, is one of the leading attorneys representing the Nargeolet family in this case.
Shaffer has been quoted extensively in the media on the legal complexities surrounding this unprecedented tragedy. His insights shed light on the legal challenges posed by this case and the broader implications for maritime law and deep-sea exploration safety standards.
The Case in Brief
On June 18, 2023, the OceanGate submersible Titan embarked on a deep-sea expedition to explore the wreck of the Titanic, located over 12,000 feet beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Tragically, the submersible suffered a catastrophic implosion during its descent, resulting in the deaths of all five passengers on board.
The disaster has led to significant scrutiny of OceanGate, the company responsible for the Titan submersible. The Nargeolet family’s wrongful death lawsuit, filed on August 6 in Seattle, alleges gross negligence and a disregard for passenger safety. The lawsuit brings to light critical legal and regulatory challenges in deep-sea exploration, especially when such activities occur in international waters, complicating jurisdiction and liability issues.
Below are highlights of a few recent articles on the case:
Forbes: “Family Of Titanic Voyage Victim Suing Sub Company For $50 Million”
An article in Forbes provides an overview of the $50 million lawsuit filed against OceanGate. The article discusses allegations of gross negligence and product liability, highlighting specific concerns about the Titan’s design, including issues with its wireless systems and structural components. The article also notes the ongoing Coast Guard investigation and the broader implications for maritime safety.
For more details, you can read the full Forbes article here.
PEOPLE: “Family of Explorer Known as ‘Mr. Titanic’ Files $50M Wrongful Death Lawsuit After ‘Titan’ Tragedy”
In an article from PEOPLE, Shaffer stressed that Nargeolet, a highly experienced deep-sea explorer, would not have participated in the Titan expedition had he been made aware of the submersible’s significant safety issues. The lawsuit alleges that OceanGate and its founder, Stockton Rush, concealed crucial facts about the submersible’s condition and durability, known to them but hidden from the passengers and crew.
Read the full article from PEOPLE here.
Yahoo News: “Family of France’s ‘Mr Titanic’ sues OceanGate submersible operator”
In Yahoo News, Matt Shaffer notes that Rush “wasn’t forthcoming with the crew and passengers about the dangers he and others knew about but the passengers and crew did not.” Shaffer’s comments highlight the serious concerns surrounding the company’s actions and the lack of transparency that may have contributed to the disaster.
Explore the full Yahoo News article here.
Moving Forward: Pursuing Justice and Maritime Safety
Schechter, Shaffer & Harris remains dedicated to representing those affected by maritime tragedies and ensuring that justice is served. For more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our maritime law attorneys, please contact us today.
