Mission to Map Titanic Wreck in Unprecedented Detail

A team of experts is launching a mission to create the most detailed photographic record of the Titanic wreck, honoring the victims of the OceanGate tragedy and the 1,500 who perished in 1912. RMS Titanic Inc., which holds salvage rights, is conducting this research-focused expedition.

Two robotic vehicles will capture millions of high-resolution photos to create a 3D model of the wreck. “We want to see the wreck with unprecedented clarity,” said co-expedition leader David Gallo. The 20-day mission will operate from the ship Dino Chouest in the North Atlantic.

A plaque will honor Paul-Henri Nargeolet, an OceanGate victim who was to lead this expedition. Two ROVs will explore the site: one with ultra-high-definition cameras and special lighting, the other with a lidar scanner. They’ll survey a 1.3km-by-0.97km area of the seafloor.

For the first time, a magnetometer will detect buried metals at the site. The team hopes to examine known objects in the debris field and locate passengers’ belongings for personal insights.

This is RMS Titanic Inc.’s ninth visit to the wreck. The company has faced controversy over plans to retrieve the Marconi radio equipment. Many view the Titanic as a gravesite that should remain undisturbed. Researcher James Penca stated, “We dive to Titanic to learn as much as we can with the utmost respect. But leaving her untouched and losing her history would be the greatest tragedy of all.”

Re-reported from the article originally published in BBC.