OceanGate’s submersible, Titan, made headlines recently when it tragically imploded during its descent to the wreckage of the Titanic.
Amidst the aftermath, renowned filmmaker James Cameron has stepped forward to dispel rumors regarding his alleged involvement in a film centered around the ill-fated submersible.
Taking to Twitter on July 15, Cameron addressed the speculations, which he deemed “offensive,” and clarified that he has no plans to produce a film or documentary related to OceanGate or the Titan incident. His statement read, “I don’t respond to offensive rumors in the media usually, but I need to now. I’m NOT in talks about an OceanGate film, nor will I ever be.”
Cameron’s connection to the tragedy stems from his extensive involvement with the Titanic wreck site and his past visits to the location. Given his history, it is not surprising that some may have assumed he would consider participating in a project recounting the submersible’s final dive.
In an interview with ABC News, the director expressed his thoughts on the incident, drawing parallels to the original Titanic disaster. Cameron highlighted the similarities, noting how both cases involved disregarding warnings that ultimately resulted in the loss of numerous lives. Reflecting on the tragedy, he said, “To take place at the same exact site with all the diving that’s going on all around the world, I think it’s just astonishing. It’s really quite surreal.”
It is worth mentioning that OceanGate’s CEO, Stockton Rush, who tragically lost his life in the accident, had been cautioned about disregarding safety protocols during the vessel’s construction. The repercussions of ignoring these warnings culminated in the devastating incident.
The submersible’s demise claimed the lives of all five passengers, including Cameron’s longtime friend Paul-Henri ‘PH’ Nargeolet, an esteemed expert on the Titanic’s history. Expressing his disbelief at the loss, Cameron stated, “You know, it’s a very small community. I’ve known PH for 25 years, and for him to have died tragically in this way is almost impossible for me to process.”
While Cameron has ruled out his involvement in any media projects inspired by the Titan’s wreck, a documentary produced by a UK news program documented the search for the submersible while there was still hope for a positive outcome.