Don’t let the Titanic sub crisis stop technology from working

Opinion

Editorial

Post editorial board

June 20, 2023 | 3:35 p.m

The sinking of the Titanic is a stark reminder of how terrifying the natural world can be despite the high technological advances fueled by American grit and innovation.

We’re pulling for Hamish Harding, Shahzada Dawood and the rest of the crew.

But be warned: Regardless of the outcome here, expect the majority of commenters — and our chronically risk-averse lawmakers — to jump to exactly the wrong conclusion.

That, that’s what deep sea technology He really needs it A heavy regulatory hand, micro-managed safety procedures, intrusive government oversight and most importantly – complete avoidance of any risk.

Same goes for private spaceflight (double).

or renewing America’s nuclear power capacity (the sclerotic federal agency responsible for reactor-design approvals). years later).

Or the courage of our technologists, engineers and other dreamers to take us to the next place.

The passengers knew they were causing danger when they entered that sub. They paid a lot for the right.

And yes: a subsidiary company, OceanGate, may be guilty of some corruption. He waited hours To report the loss of the ship. If so, he can and should pay the price.

But none of the OceanGate mistakes should be a license for pseudoscience-intoxicated journalists or power-hungry lawmakers and bureaucrats to suppress visionary technology.