RMS Titanic Inc., the company that holds salvage rights to the 112-year-old wreck of the Titanic, recently completed its first expedition since 2010 and unveiled new images of the site. During the expedition, a bronze statue long thought to be lost was rediscovered, while a significant section of the ship’s railing has fallen, adding to the decay of the wreck site.
The expedition, which took place in the remote North Atlantic Ocean where the Titanic sank, coincided with the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible owned by another company, killing all five people on board, including renowned director of underwater research Paul-Henri Nargeolet. RMS Titanic Inc. described the expedition’s findings as a “bittersweet mix of preservation and loss.”
Despite the loss of the iconic railing surrounding the ship’s bow forecastle deck, the rediscovery of the statue “Diana of Versailles,” unseen since 1986, was a highlight of the trip. The company has released updated images of the statue and the wreckage site.
The crew, who spent 20 days at the site, captured over two million high-resolution images of the wreck and fully mapped the debris field. They will use advanced equipment to enhance understanding of the site and preserve Titanic’s legacy. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard is investigating the Titan submersible disaster, with a public hearing scheduled for September.
Following the tragedy, Nargeolet’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OceanGate, the operator of the Titan submersible, which has since suspended operations. RMS Titanic Inc. remains committed to preserving the Titanic’s legacy despite the challenges faced during the recent expedition.
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