History of Stockton Rush in Timeline

Stockton Rush was an American businessman best known as the co-founder and CEO of OceanGate, a company focused on deep-sea exploration and tourism. He played a central role in the design and operation of OceanGate's submersible vehicles, including the Titan. Rush's vision involved making deep-sea exploration more accessible, though his approach to innovation and safety was subject to scrutiny. He perished in the implosion of the Titan submersible during a dive to the Titanic wreckage in June 2023.

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Full Timeline

March 31, 1962: Stockton Rush's Birth

On March 31, 1962, Richard Stockton Rush III was born. He later became the co-founder and CEO of OceanGate.

1980: Graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy

In 1980, Stockton Rush graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy.

1984: Received Bachelor of Science Degree

In 1984, Stockton Rush received a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from Princeton University.

1986: Marriage to Wendy Weil

In 1986, Rush married pilot and teacher Wendy Weil, who is the great-great-granddaughter of Isidor and Ida Straus, both of whom died in the sinking of the Titanic.

1989: Received MBA from UC Berkeley

In 1989, Stockton Rush received a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley.

1989: Relocated to Pacific Northwest

In 1989, Stockton Rush relocated to the Pacific Northwest to manage Remote Control Technology in Kirkland, Washington.

1993: Criticism of Passenger Vessel Safety Act

Rush was critical of the Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993, a United States law, describing it as a law which "needlessly prioritized passenger safety over commercial innovation".

2006: Interest in Ocean Exploration

In 2006, after his first submarine excursion in British Columbia, Rush became interested in ocean exploration at lower depths.

2007: Attempt to Buy Steve Fossett's Submersible

After Steve Fossett's death in 2007, Rush tried to buy his submersible vehicle but was unsuccessful.

2007: Exploration of Founding a Submarine Company

Around 2007, Rush began to explore the idea of founding his own submarine company, driven by his belief in the market for underwater ocean tourism.

2009: OceanGate Founded

In 2009, Rush founded OceanGate with Guillermo Söhnlein, aiming to fund deep-diving submersibles through commercial tourism.

2009: Founded OceanGate

In 2009, Stockton Rush co-founded OceanGate with Guillermo Söhnlein, a deep-sea exploration company.

2013: Söhnlein's Departure from OceanGate

In 2013, Guillermo Söhnlein departed from OceanGate, leaving Stockton Rush as the sole founder of the company.

2013: Söhnlein Leaves OceanGate

In 2013, Söhnlein left OceanGate.

2016: Exploration of Andrea Doria

In 2016, exploring the sunken Andrea Doria on the Cyclops I, David Lochridge reported how Rush “smashed straight down” into the wreckage of the sunken ocean liner.

2018: Expedition in San Juan Islands

In 2018, Rush piloted an expedition with researchers and scientists in the San Juan Islands to observe the red sea urchin and the habitat of the sand lance.

2021: Started Deep Submergence Business

After several delays, Rush finally started his deep submergence business in 2021.

June 2023: Lawsuit Regarding Titanic Dive

Prior to the June 2023 dive, Rush was sued for $210,000 by a couple in Florida concerning a planned 2018 dive to the Titanic that they claim was repeatedly canceled and postponed.

June 18, 2023: Stockton Rush's Death

On June 18, 2023, Richard Stockton Rush III died. He was the co-founder and chief executive officer of OceanGate.

2024: Coast Guard Hearing

In 2024, an episode regarding Stockton Rush was recounted during a Coast Guard hearing.