The Marine Forensic Panel

Historical Shipwreck Analysis

The panel has analyzed notable wrecks, including RMS Titanic, RMS Lusitania, HMHS Britannic, and the German battleship Bismarck. These studies employed techniques like side-scan sonar, finite element analysis, and metallurgical testing to uncover reasons for the sinkings.

Findings on the Titanic

Research revealed that the steel used in Titanic‘s construction was prone to damage propagation and that design flaws compromised watertight integrity. Studies also examined biological degradation caused by rusticles, microbes consuming the ship’s iron structure.

Underwater Archaeology

Underwater archaeology has grown with technological advances such as submersibles and ROVs. The panel has advised and participated in expeditions to document shipwrecks using imagery and artefact recovery.

Public Engagement and Education

The panel has collaborated with media outlets like the Discovery Channel, contributing to documentaries that combine scientific analyses with public education. A notable example is the Titanic documentary Anatomy of a Disaster.

Challenges in Marine Forensics

Limitations include difficulty accessing deep wreck sites, interpreting damage from imagery, and respecting shipwrecks as grave sites under maritime law.

Modern Applications

While historical shipwrecks dominate the panel’s focus, efforts are underway to apply forensic techniques to recent losses, such as the Edmund Fitzgerald and the bulk carrier Derbyshire. These studies aim to improve current ship designs and emergency protocols.