Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster’ explores the implosion of the Titan submersible and deep-dives into the events that led to the fatal voyage. The documentary reconstructs the timeline using archival footage, expert analysis, and in-depth interviews with people closely associated with the company. Among them was Bonnie Carl, OceanGate’s former accountant, who provided a look into the internal workings of the organization and what it was like working directly under CEO Stockton Rush. Her firsthand account shed light on the operational culture, financial practices, and the mounting concerns she allegedly witnessed leading up to the disaster.
Bonnie Carl Joined OceanGate Out of Pure Love for the Underwater World
Bonnie Carl brought a wealth of experience to her role as an accountant, having worked in corporate accounting for two different firms and practicing public accounting for four years. In the early 2010s, her interests shifted seaward when she developed a passion for diving and earned her license in 2014. From then on, she frequently went on excursions and found herself drawn to ocean exploration. When a position opened at OceanGate in 2017, she applied with the hope of combining her professional skills with her love for the sea. She knew she would have to take a pay cut, but she had no qualms about it. Hired as the Director of Finance and Administration in March 2017, she initially found the job exciting.
However, she soon became disillusioned. She alleged that CEO Stockton Rush often lost his temper with employees, creating an aggressive and high-pressure environment. The final straw came when she was asked, despite having no qualifications, to train as a submersible pilot and lead a dive. The request raised red flags about safety protocols within the company, and she resigned in February 2018. When the Titan submersible imploded in June 2023 and debris was later found near the Titanic wreck, Bonnie said her worst fears were confirmed. She had hoped the situation wasn’t as dire, but the reality devastated her.
Bonnie Carl Testified Against Her Former Employer After the Accident
In September 2024, Bonnie Carl testified before the US Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigation, which was launched to examine the fatal Titan submersible disaster. During her testimony, she offered insights into the workings of OceanGate. She alleged that many of the early investments in the company came from Stockton Rush’s own circle of friends and family. She claimed that these contributions were often made informally, through mailed-in checks, and based purely on trust.
Bonnie also raised serious concerns about the designation of “mission specialist,” a title widely used to describe paying passengers. She claimed that despite being presented as part of the crew, these individuals received little to no training and that the alleged primary qualifier for selection was the ability to afford the high ticket price. Her gravest concern, however, and ultimately the reason she resigned, was what she described as the utter lack of safety protocols. She alleged witnessing unqualified individuals, including young boys, interacting with sensitive submersible equipment. She further supported the testimony of former OceanGate employee David Lochridge, emphasizing that his safety warnings had gone unheeded.
Bonnie Carl is Making Huge Strides as a Finance Professional Today
After stepping away from OceanGate in early 2018, Bonnie Carl made a confident return to a workplace she knew well, Canyon Creek Cabinet Company. Having first joined the company back in October 2004, she steadily rose from Assistant Controller to Controller over her 13-year tenure. Her return in February 2018 marked a resumption of her previous role, but it also signaled a renewed sense of purpose in a professional environment that valued both her experience and her instincts. Bonnie’s deep understanding of financial systems, compliance, and team leadership made her indispensable. By January 2025, she was promoted to Director of Finance.
In this role, she oversees financial planning, risk management, budgeting, and long-term strategy for the company’s Monroe, Washington operations. One of her most impactful projects was the implementation of a company-wide payroll transformation, which concluded in 2020. It demonstrated not just her technical acumen but her ability to guide her team through change with clarity and vision. Earlier in her career, Bonnie served as a Senior Accountant at Hascal, Sjoholm & Co. from 2000 to 2004, honing the analytical and audit skills that would later become the backbone of her financial leadership.
A 2000 magna cum laude graduate of Central Washington University, she has continued to invest in her education and has most recently completed the Finance Transformation: Manage Disruption certificate program from AICPA in December 2024. Her career reflects a professional who doesn’t just crunch numbers but builds systems, fosters accountability, and never stops learning.
Bonnie Carl and Her Husband Share a Passion for Diving Excursions
Bonnie Carl continues to nurture her passion for ocean diving and it is a love that never truly left her. In 2024, she took a memorable trip to Egmond, Northumberland, in the UK, known for its rugged coastline and thrilling dive sites. Sharing this enthusiasm is her husband, Troy Rampy, a Systems Engineer at Premera Blue Cross. The two have ventured on numerous underwater expeditions together, including dives with Porpoise Bay Charters and Bandito Charters.
Her family remains her greatest anchor. She and Troy are parents to three children, and she often shares how motherhood and adventure go hand in hand for her. She is also deeply connected to her roots and frequently visits her parents, Margaret and Kasey Carl. They have always been her emotional backbone. Whether it’s cheering from the sidelines of her kids’ activities or spending quiet weekends with her folks, Bonnie credits her family for keeping her grounded, motivated, and full of purpose.
Read More: Emily Hammermeister: Where is the Former OceanGate Employee Now?
