Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 24, 2023
Deep Water Rubber Necking Will Always Thrill Some, Despite Safety Concerns
July 13, 2021
The recent tragedy involving the Titan submersible has reignited the debate around deep-sea tourism safety. While calls for stricter regulations are expected, enforcing them across international waters poses challenges. The incident was an outlier, as most deep-sea excursions have been incident-free for over 60 years. Although safety is crucial, deep sea rubber necking will continue to be sought after by thrill-seekers with means.
The absence of regulations in international waters makes implementing safety measures difficult. Industry experts support certification for submersibles, but passing and enforcing regulations globally is complex. Responsible submersible operators prioritize safety, exploring natural phenomena at depths of 500 meters or less. It’s vital to distinguish between such operators and OceanGate’s unconventional decision with the Titan.
News: OceanGate Was Warned of Potential for ‘Catastrophic’ Problems With Titanic Mission
Despite the tragedy, the allure of deep-sea exploration remains. Future expeditions may include submarine tours to view the Titanic and Titan debris. While safety regulations should be enhanced, the limitations in international waters must be acknowledged. Rather than focusing solely on oversight, improving operations and responsible practices should be prioritized within the submersible industry.
The families affected by the Titanic disaster express their disdain for exploring their loved ones’ resting place. Their emotional pleas remind us of the tragedy. However, responsible and respectful expeditions can offer valuable historical insights.
Deep sea rubber necking will always captivate some individuals, and the fascination with exploring iconic shipwrecks will persist. Balancing regulation and the freedom to explore the depths is a delicate task. As technology advances, we must ensure future expeditions prioritize safety while continuing to ignite our curiosity about the wonders hidden beneath the waves. (AI) | Also printed in the Toronto Star.
Letters to the Editor, The Hamilton Spectator, June 28, 2023
Letters to the Editor
Cartoon was an affront
If the editorial cartoon in Saturday’s Spec was meant to be humorous, it failed miserably. Maybe staff forgot that five people perished in a completely avoidable tragedy.
If the cartoon was meant to inform or entertain, again it missed the mark. The cartoon is in fact an affront to the memories of those who died.
The Spec has of late been very conscientious about holding various public institutions to account, but this cartoon makes all of that seem artificial and shows your true colours.
Jack Coruzzi, Brantford
Cartoon nailed it
MacKay’s Saturday cartoon was brilliant and spot on. Adventure tourism gets headlines for billionaires who cost the public millions, while 500 refugees died in an accident on the Mediterranean, and hardly a word was uttered. We live in a shameful society that needs to be called out by satirists like MacKay.
Rhonda Hilton, Burlington