Rediscovering the Titanic: A New Era of Exploration and Preservation

The tragic tale of the RMS Titanic has captivated the world like no other maritime disaster. On April 10, 1912, the Titanic set sail from Southampton, England, on its maiden voyage to New York City. Four days into the journey, at 11:40 PM on April 14, the ship struck an iceberg. In a matter of two hours and forty minutes, the unsinkable sank into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Nearly a century has passed, with countless books, articles, and movies like “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” “A Night to Remember,” and the 1997 blockbuster “Titanic” recounting, romanticizing, and dramatizing the ship’s fateful end.

The Discovery of Titanic

On July 1, 1985, a joint expedition by scientists from the Woods Hole Deep Submergence Lab and the French Institute Francais de Recherche pour I’Exploitation des Mers (IFREMER) embarked on a mission to locate the Titanic wreck. Their efforts paid off in the early hours of September 1, 1985, when they finally found the Titanic. This monumental discovery bridged the past with the present, allowing us to connect with a piece of history long thought to be lost.

Virtual Resurrection: A New Expedition

Twenty-five years after the Titanic’s discovery, RMS Titanic, Inc. (the Salvor-In-Possession of the wreck and its site) teamed up with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Waitt Institute to undertake an unprecedented mission: virtually raising the Titanic to preserve its legacy for posterity.

An Unprecedented Scientific Expedition

In what is arguably the most technologically advanced scientific expedition to Titanic, RMS Titanic, Inc. has assembled a team of top archaeologists, oceanographers, and scientists from prestigious organizations such as The Institute of Nautical Archaeology, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Sanctuaries Program, and The National Park Service’s Submerged Resources Center. This historic mission aims to offer a new perspective on the Titanic through advanced technologies.

“The significance and scope of this mission, the team we’ve assembled to carry it out, and the breakthrough technologies being deployed will give people the opportunity to experience Titanic like never before,” said Chris Davino, president of RMS Titanic, Inc. “RMS Titanic, Inc. has a singular purpose: to faithfully and respectfully preserve the memory of Titanic and all who sailed with her. The goals and objectives of this expedition are fully aligned with that purpose.”

Cutting-Edge Technology in Action

Launching from St. John’s, Newfoundland, on August 18, 2010, this 20-day expedition will utilize revolutionary acoustic imaging, sonar technologies, and high-resolution optical, video, and 3D imaging. These tools will provide the first comprehensive view of the entire wreck site with unprecedented accuracy and clarity. Through sophisticated robots, sonars, and cameras, experts will chart the wreck site, map the Titanic’s physical position, and create a detailed blueprint to guide its preservation.

“This expedition, the first of its magnitude since the ship’s wreck site was discovered, provides the perfect opportunity to utilize new technologies we’ve developed,” said Susan Avery, president and director of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. “This journey will offer important insights into the decomposition of the ship and its impact on the ocean and seabed.”

The Team Behind the Mission

Leading the expedition is P.H. Nargeolet, director of Underwater Research for RMS Titanic, Inc., a veteran of five previous Titanic expeditions and 30 dives. David Gallo, director of special projects at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, co-leads the mission, emphasizing the unprecedented collaboration between private, non-profit, and government entities.

A Glimpse into the Future

World Footprints will interview David Gallo before and after the expedition. The interviews will focus on the virtual raising of Titanic through 3D modeling and the mission’s numerous firsts:

• Transforming the Titanic site into an archaeological site with all scientific data available for review and study.
• Evaluating microorganisms at the site, potentially uncovering distant relatives of the original microorganisms from the ship.
• Utilizing high-definition and 3D (3DHD) video to capture the clearest images yet of the wreck and its surroundings.
• Developing new standards in underwater archaeology for maritime heritage site management.

Engage with the Expedition

Titanic enthusiasts can join the journey’s excitement by exploring the wreck site in real time through ongoing video feeds, photo postings, and interactions with crew members on Facebook, Twitter, and the Expedition Titanic website.

Rediscover the Titanic, witness history, and participate in preserving its legacy for future generations.