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The Titanic submersible going missing is a stark reminder of just how fearsome the natural world remains, despite enormous tech advances powered by American grit and innovation.

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

But be warned: No matter the outcome here, expect much of the commentariat — and our chronically risk-averse legislators — to draw the exact wrong conclusion. 

Namely, that what deep-sea tech really needs is the heavy hand of regulation, micromanaged safety processes, intrusive government oversight and — above all — the total elimination of any danger.

The same goes (double) for private spaceflight.

Or rejuvenating America’s nuclear power capacity (the sclerotic federal agency responsible for reactor-design approvals is years behind the times). 


  The OceanGate submarine that went missing while exploring the wreckage of the Titanic in the Atlantic Ocean. Action Aviation The OceanGate submarine that went missing while exploring the wreckage of the Titanic in the Atlantic Ocean. Action Aviation

Or wherever the boldness of our technologists, engineers and other dreamers takes us next.


  The submarine had five people on board when it went missing. Becky Kagan Schott / OceanGate Expeditions The submarine had five people on board when it went missing. Becky Kagan Schott / OceanGate Expeditions

And yes: The sub company, OceanGate, may well be guilty of some malfeasance. It waited hours to report the vessel missing. If so, it can and should pay the price. 

But no OceanGate error should be a license for journalists drunk on pseudoscience or power-grabby lawmakers and bureaucrats to stifle visionary tech. 

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