Titanic shipwreck researchers spent 20 days at the wreck site capturing over two million images and videos, leading to the rediscovery of a long-lost statue of the ancient Roman goddess “Diana of Versailles”. The findings were recently shared by RMS Titanic, Inc., who expressed a mix of excitement at the discovery and sadness at the decay affecting the iconic ship’s structure. The team’s commitment to preserving the Titanic’s legacy was strengthened by the loss of parts of the ship’s bow railing, which have added to the ship’s symbolic visuals.
The bronze statue of “Diana of Versailles” is a highlight of the expedition, as it was last seen in 1986 and was feared lost forever by experts. The statue, 2 feet tall, was originally displayed as the centerpiece of the First Class Lounge on the RMS Titanic. The team’s researcher, James Penca, along with data scientists, played a key role in rediscovering the statue and capturing updated images. Alongside this exciting find, the team also discovered that a significant section of the railing surrounding the bow’s forecastle deck had fallen off the ship, altering one of the Titanic’s most recognized visuals.
The discovery of the lost statue and the decay affecting the Titanic’s structure serve as reminders of the ship’s tragic history. The Titanic sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg, and it was not discovered until 1985 in the Atlantic Ocean. The team’s mission to preserve and document what remains of the ship before it deteriorates further is crucial to keeping alive the memory of the Titanic and those who perished in the disaster. The team’s continuous efforts to capture images and videos of the wreck site contribute to the ongoing preservation of the Titanic’s legacy for future generations.
The photographs taken of the Titanic shipwreck during the expedition also highlighted the missing 15-foot-long section of railing on the right side of the vessel’s bow. Reviewing the 3D photos revealed that the ship’s railing had fallen off in one piece and was lying on the seafloor. While the evidence of the Titanic’s decay is inevitable, the team remains dedicated to documenting and preserving as much as possible before it is too late. The somber find of the missing railing and the decay affecting the ship’s structure underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to safeguard the historical significance of the Titanic.
The team at RMS Titanic, Inc. continues to delve into the history and preservation of the iconic ocean liner through their expeditions and discoveries at the shipwreck site. The recent uncovering of the long-lost statue of “Diana of Versailles” and the visualization of the decay affecting the Titanic’s structure serve as poignant reminders of the ship’s tragic fate. The commitment to preserving the Titanic’s legacy remains steadfast, as the team strives to document and protect what remains of the ship before it succumbs to further deterioration. By capturing images and videos of the wreck site, the team contributes to the ongoing legacy of the Titanic and ensures that its story endures for generations to come.
