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.
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Citation:
James P. Delgado (2001) Diving on the Titanic, Archaeology, Vol. 54, No. 1, The Archaeological Institute of America
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