Titan: The OceanGate Disaster premieres on Netflix

June 12, 2025

Following the tragic implosion of OceanGate’s Titan submersible in June 2023—during a descent to the wreck of the RMS Titanic—the world watched in stunned silence. The five lives lost included wealthy explorers, a Titanic expert, and OceanGate’s CEO, Stockton Rush. The incident sparked intense media coverage, public fascination, and serious questions about safety, regulation, and ego-driven innovation.

Netflix’s documentary “Titan: The OceanGate Disaster” was developed in response to the overwhelming interest and the many unanswered questions. It aims not to sensationalize, but to contextualize the tragedy—with care, clarity, and expert insight.

Creative Vision

Producers and directors approached the story as a human-centered investigative documentary. Rather than focusing solely on the implosion itself, the film examines:

The history of the Titan submersible, from concept to launch
OceanGate’s controversial safety practices, including the use of non-certified materials
The culture of adventure tourism, especially for ultra-wealthy clients
The global media frenzy and the emotional toll on families and the scientific community

Sources & Approach

The documentary is built on a range of materials:

Archival footage from OceanGate’s own promotional content
First-hand interviews with engineers, marine experts, ex-employees, and journalists
Audio recreations and 3D visualizations of the dive and implosion
Conversations with Titanic historians and submersible professionals

Netflix prioritized accuracy and sensitivity, working closely with technical experts to explain complex engineering issues in accessible terms—while honoring the lives lost.

Featured Interviewees & Experts:

James Cameron – Director of Titanic and a veteran deep-sea explorer; offers critical insights into submersible safety and personal reflections on the tragedy.
David Pogue – CBS journalist who previously rode in the Titan and documented its operations; shares his behind-the-scenes experience.
Submersible Experts & Oceanographers – Various engineers and scientists explain the risks, materials, and design flaws of the Titan.
Former OceanGate Employees – Some whistleblowers who raised safety concerns prior to the accident speak out.
Family Members of Victims – Select relatives of the passengers offer personal reflections (some appear via archival material or voiceovers).
Maritime Safety Officials – Representatives from international rescue agencies discuss the search-and-rescue effort.

Tribute to Victims (Appearing via Archival Footage):