Relatives of those who perished aboard the Titanic in 1912 have expressed their dismay over tourist trips to the shipwreck site, such as the OceanGate Titan submersible’s outings, considering them “disgusting” and disrespectful.
They argue that the wreckage should be treated as an underwater “graveyard” for the 1,496 people who lost their lives on the Titanic, rather than a thrill-seeking destination.
John LoCascio, whose uncles died in the Titanic disaster, condemned OceanGate for capitalizing on visits to the sacred site, deeming it shameful. He questioned the motives of those who wish to visit, asking, “What do you want to look at, you want to ogle?” LoCascio and other family members urged for the tours to cease, emphasizing the need to respect the resting place of their loved ones.
OceanGate just faced a disaster of its own when one of its vessels, the Titan, went missing with five people on board. The disappearance prompted a frenetic search as the sub’s oxygen reserves dwindled. Debris of the Titan was found on Thursday, June 22, and the occupants were presumed dead due to the vessel’s implosion. Relatives of Titanic passengers expressed bewilderment at the allure of such visits, deeming it a sad tragedy and questioning why anyone would pay a hefty sum of $250,000 for such an experience.
Some Titanic family members, such as Brett Gladstone and T. Sean Maher, suggested that if such visits were to occur, they should be strictly regulated and approached with solemnity. Shelley Binder, whose great-grandmother was a survivor, advocated for respectful examination of the wreckage for investigative purposes rather than encouraging mere sightseeing.
The families’ sentiments reflect their desire for the final resting place of the Titanic victims to be treated with reverence and dignity, urging others to consider the tragic history and human lives that ended.