The OceanGate CEO was previously warned his experimental Titanic approach could lead to a catastrophic "disaster", according to court documents.
The company's vessel, named Titan, is missing with five passengers on board after losing communication an hour and 45 minutes into its trip to visit the Titanic's wreckage on Sunday.
Pakistani British-based businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son, Sulaiman Dawood, were confirmed to be on the submersible.