I've often felt guilty about supporting that sport, knowing that when things go wrong the society must mobilize at great expense to pick up the pieces. Its one thing when merchant seamen need rescue because they are carrying the world's commerce, a worthwhile and necessary activity. But its another when a bunch of rich dudes get into trouble while indulging in their favorite playtime. Still, nobody on those yachts bought a ticket. Likewise, the miners are there to provide us with the riches of the earth, they are well aware of the risks and of the conscientiousness (or lack of it) of their employers. They know the danger but have chosen to be there because they are supporting their families.

Bluewater yachtsmen are usually highly skilled, and well aware of the dangers. And they are there in spite of that, But these sub passengers bought tickets from a business that profited from the transaction--or, at least, expected to profit... And it was a business that was willing to gamble with the lives of its customers by using an untested technology and make excuses for it it with the usual free-market double-talk: "government regulation and certification stifles innovation and creativity". Its the arrogance of the entrepreneurial mentality; "Leave us alone, we know what we're doing, we are the source of all that's good in the world, we are better than those who are afraid to take the risks".

Granted, regulation and certification does not guarantee safety, any more than lack of it guarantees hazard. Even the highly regulated airline industry sometimes kills its customers. But outside oversight at least provides an extra level of security. But the passengers on that sub paid for their tickets. They died to feather another man's pockets. The pilot of that craft (also co-owner of the company) was willing to put his life on the line, and for that I respect him. But his passengers were victims to his greed. They were sacrificed bankrolling his dream.

I suppose you're wondering why I always seem to be especially harsh on those who profit from an ill-fated activity. Well, it seems to me the reason for that should be self-evident.