The Hollywood blockbuster Titanic, released in 1997, is known for its emotionally charged story, ballooning budget, and multiple Oscar wins. However, there is a lesser-known story behind the scenes during filming in Nova Scotia involving lobster chowder and a hallucinogenic drug. Marilyn McAvoy, a part-time faculty member at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, recalls her experience as a painter on the Halifax-area set of Titanic, where she had an unexpected cameo and worked closely with director James Cameron.
During the final day of filming, the cast and crew were served lobster chowder allegedly tainted with a drug known as phencyclidine (PCP). Rick Courtney, a production assistant, and former medic, was called upon to help as people began acting strange and experiencing hallucinations. He quickly realized the situation was out of hand and activated EMS for assistance. The atmosphere at the emergency room was chaotic as dozens of patients felt varied effects of the drug, with some experiencing flashbacks.
New details have recently been revealed about the incident and subsequent investigation through a Halifax Regional Police report, which was initially filed in 1996. The investigation was complicated by the fact that the Titanic set had moved to Mexico, making it difficult to pinpoint a suspect. The report suggests that the culprit may be a nonresident currently outside the country and that the tampering with the chowder may have been a deliberate act to prolong filming and increase funding for the movie.
Despite the efforts of investigators, the mystery surrounding the tainted chowder on the set of Titanic remains unsolved. The incident is considered a blemish on the local film industry but has since healed. Many of those affected were dispersed and out of the country, making it challenging to identify or convict the person responsible. Rick Courtney expresses shock at the audacity of someone to lace the chowder with PCP, as it is a dangerous drug that can have long-lasting effects.
Overall, the incident involving the tainted chowder on the set of Titanic remains a puzzling mystery, with no clear culprit or motive identified. The chaotic and surreal experience of those affected during filming in Nova Scotia has left a lasting impression on those involved. Despite the lack of closure, the cast and crew managed to recover from the incident, and the investigation closed without a clear resolution. The bizarre and unexpected event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the challenges that can arise on set.
