The slow decay of the Titanic: A new diving mission shows the reality

The slow decay of the Titanic: A new diving mission shows the reality

It is a picture that has been entered into film history forever: the majestic bug of the "Titanic", flushes the waves, while the protagonists of the famous film live out their dream of freedom and happiness. But while the fictional narrative has lasted over the years, the true “Titanic” experienced a bitter transformation. The iconic beauty atrophies under the rough conditions of the North Atlantic, and new recordings from the latest expedition reveal the unstoppable decay of the luxury liner, which sank in 1912

In the diving missions in July and August of this year, the loss became visible: the railing on the bow of the ship, once a symbol of elegance and the departure into a new era of traveling, has now disappeared. According to a message from the RMS Titanic company, which manages the rights to the wreck, an almost five meter long section of the railing has come loose and is now on the sea floor. These drastic changes make it clear that even the world's most famous shipwreck has nothing to oppose the elements. The company aptly outlines it: after 112 years in the Oceanian grave, the enemy environment demands its toll.

a valuable treasure in depth

Although the image of the decay has reinforced, the wreck remains a place with an almost inexhaustible story. The first diving mission since 2010 enabled the researchers to take over two million photos and to discover countless artifacts that indicate a fascinating and tragic past. Under these finds, a 60 centimeter high statue of the Roman goddess Diana, which once stood in a first-class lounge. She was washed out during the downfall and was lost up to that point. Your return is a sign of what has been lost in the abyss of the sea and has now been rediscovered.

The «Titanic», born from dreams of unsinkable elegance, flagship technology and social exclusivity, sank on April 15, 1912 after the collision with an iceberg. This tragic event cost around 1,500 people life and for many remained unforgettable as the greatest misfortune in the history of shipping. Today, more than a century later, the so-called "Titanic Expedition" not only evokes nostalgic memories, but also arouses the deeper need to further preserve the history of the ship.

The worries about decay

The progressive erosion of the wreck is increasingly worried to the researchers. As early as 2010, experts drawn attention to the dangers caused by microorganisms that disintegrate the metal of the ship. Ocean currents and rust also contribute to the destruction. The RMS Titanic company has taken care of the administration of the wreck since the 1990s and carried out several expeditions to collect valuable information about the history of the ship. Despite all efforts, the decay is described as inevitable.

The need to document the evidence of the past becomes all the more pressing. While the researchers strive to preserve the relics of the "Titanic", the time to preserve all of this disappears. Artifacts such as jewelry and coins have been successfully recovered and restored, but the central question remains: How long will the "Titanic" be on the bottom of the oceanic grave before it is completely left to nature?