Diving on the Titanic

Initial Encounter:

• The author describes the eerie experience of encountering the Titanic’s wreck two and a half miles below the North Atlantic.
• The wreck is covered in “rustsicles” and the sight is both breathtaking and somber.

Background and Preparation:

• Delgado, a maritime archaeologist, had not initially considered Titanic an archaeological site but rather an underwater museum and memorial.
• He was involved in discussions and treaties regarding the ethical display and recovery of artefacts from the Titanic.

Expedition Details:

• Delgado joined a group of adventure travellers on a Zegrahm Expeditions trip to the Titanic site.
• The expedition used the Russian research vessel Akademik Mstislav Keldysh and its Mir submersibles.

Dive Experience:

• The dive involved descending to the wreck in a cramped submersible.
• Delgado describes the descent, the pressure at depth, and the initial sighting of the Titanic’s bow.

Observations at the Wreck:

• The author details various parts of the wreck, including the anchors, the bridge, and the debris field.
• He notes the presence of memorial plaques and artefacts, emphasizing the site’s status as a gravesite.

Ethical and Archaeological Concerns:

• Delgado critiques the salvage operations for being selective and not following scientific methods.
• He highlights the need for more archaeological dives and better documentation of the site.

Condition of the Wreck:

• The Titanic is deteriorating, but not as rapidly as some claims suggest.
• Experts believe the wreck will remain identifiable for centuries, allowing time for careful decision-making about its future.

Personal Reflections

• The dive gave Delgado a deeper understanding of the Titanic and its historical significance.
• He advocates for more public access to the site to inform debates about its preservation and value.