Scientist, journalist and best-selling author Dr Michael Guillen was the first reporter to journey to the wreckage of the Titanic deep below the North Atlantic ocean, where he had his own close brush with disaster.
The former science editor for America’s ABC News told RNZ’s The Panel that today’s grim news of the death of five men aboard a sightseeing submersible trip to the Titanic wreck was difficult, but also predictable after the first reports of the situation.
“I was reporting from the very beginning that all the indications were that this vessel had suffered not just a communications loss, but a catastrophic loss.
“This is just a very sad day, a sad ending to a sad story.
“But the consolation is that the end for these five precious souls aboard Titan was quick and painless.
“That implosion happened in less than a blink of an eye. That’s some consolation.”
Guillen made the journey 4000m down to Titanic himself in 2000 in a submersible.
“My initial reaction was I didn’t really want to because I have a fear of water,” he said.
“As a scientist, I was interested in the opportunity to survey the wreck and to report to the public, educate them on the ship, what’s going on there right now.”
He said the trip down went smoothly, in a two-and-half hour journey to the wreck on the ocean floor.
“We started at the bow and we had a moment of prayer for people who had lost their lives there. That was very, very emotional and really hit me hard.”
The bow of the Titanic, seen in an image taken during a historical 1986 dive. Photo: AFP / Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution / Handout
Guillen caught sight of a shiny large propeller on the Titanic’s wreck, and was worried that their submersible was getting too close to it.
“I later found out that we were caught up in an underwater current that was driving us to the propeller, and ultimately we collided with the ship, caught behind the blades of the propeller and the actual structure of the ship.
“Huge chunks of the Titanic started raining down on us and I knew right then and there that we were in a life-threatening situation.”
The craft managed to finally work free thanks to the pilot’s skill, Guillen said.
“He managed somehow to finagle our sub out from the propeller’s blades.
“Really, I wouldn’t be talking to you if it wasn’t for his skill, I’m so grateful to him.”
Photo: AFP / OceanGate Expeditions
Guillen said the investigations into what happened to the Titan submersible this week will take some time.
“I think the main question I have and so many others is, first of all, what triggered this catastrophic failure?
“My guess is, and it’s just a guess, it was a structural failure of the pressure vessel.
“It only takes a small weakness – you know the old saying, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Well, a pressure vessel is only as strong as its weakest spot.
“All it takes is one little micro-fracture somewhere along the surface of that pressure vessel, and I’m telling you that pressure down there is absolutely unforgiving.”
He said questions must be asked about the company operating the Titan.
“Was this vessel truly seaworthy? The vessel I was on was specifically designated for scientific research, so it was a serious vessel, designed by serious-minded people for a serious purpose.
“Titan was created for tourism. That’s a very different ballgame.
“So we need to be sure moving forward that these five precious lives that we lost, weren’t lost in vain. We at least have to suspend I believe all further trips … to the Titanic.”
