The wreck of the Titanic on the ocean floor is slowly deteriorating, with recent photos showing significant decay on the ship’s iconic bow, famously featured in James Cameron’s 1997 film. A recent expedition led by RMS Titanic Inc. in July marked the first visit to the ship’s wreck site since 2010, bringing together deep ocean imaging experts, oceanographers, scientists, and historians. The expedition utilised cutting-edge technology to image and photograph the site, aiming to preserve the Titanic’s legacy for future generations and scientific research.
The tragic sinking of the British ocean liner on April 15, 1912, claimed the lives of 1,500 individuals after it collided with an iceberg on its maiden voyage. Remotely operated vehicles used during the recent expedition revealed new insights into the wreck’s condition, capturing images that show the effects of slow decay, particularly on the ship’s bow railing.
RMS Titanic Inc. expressed sadness over the decay of the Titanic, highlighting the significance of the ship’s bow as a lasting image of the tragedy. The company mentioned, “Titanic’s bow is iconic… Recent images have shown that the railings of the bow have fallen off due to slow decay.”
The wreck of the ship lies approximately 12,500 feet below the ocean’s surface, with the bow being the largest and most intact part, while the stern is significantly deteriorated. The recent expedition discovered that the railing from the ship’s bow had fallen off within the last two years, as confirmed by a laser scan.
RMS Titanic Inc., granted salvage rights to the wreck, is committed to preserving the Titanic’s legacy through the recovery and display of artifacts. The company plans to publish more photos from their expedition and salvage a bronze statue called the Diana of Versailles. While debates continue about the preservation of the site as a grave or a historical artifact, the company’s mission remains focused on commemorating the Titanic’s passengers and crew.
As the Titanic continues to decay on the ocean floor, efforts to document and preserve its remains are ongoing to ensure that the memory of the tragic event and its significance are not lost to time. The findings from the recent expedition serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of history and the importance of respecting and learning from past tragedies.