A recent expedition by RMS Titanic Inc., the company holding legal rights to the Titanic wreck, discovered a long-lost bronze statue from the Titanic amongst other findings. The company’s first expedition since 2010 captured images showcasing the ever-changing site in the North Atlantic Ocean where the Titanic sank over a century ago. This expedition occurred as the U.S. Coast Guard investigates the 2023 Titan submersible implosion that tragically claimed all five lives on board, including Paul-Henri Nargeolet, RMS Titanic’s director of underwater research.
The company expressed a mix of emotions from the findings, highlighting the joyful rediscovery of the “Diana of Versaille” statue last seen in 1986, alongside the lamentable collapse of a significant section of the ship’s bow’s forecastle deck railing, a feature that stood until 2022. Tomasina Ray, RMS Titanic’s director of collections, described the expedition as bittersweet, emphasizing a commitment to preserving the Titanic’s legacy amidst evidence of decay.
The expedition team spent 20 days at the wreck site, gathering over 2 million high-resolution images, providing unparalleled insight into the Titanic’s current state. They also completed a full mapping of the wreck and its debris field, utilizing advanced equipment to enhance understanding of the site. The next phase involves processing the data for sharing with the scientific community to aid in the identification and safe recovery of historically significant artifacts.
Prior to the expedition, RMS Titanic underscored the importance of their mission following Nargeolet’s tragic passing in the Titan submersible accident. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard continues its investigation, planning a public hearing in September. In connection with the Titan sub’s operator OceanGate, Nargeolet’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, prompting OceanGate to halt operations. The lawsuit remains ongoing without public comment from OceanGate.
