Plans are in motion to bring people to visit the wreck of RMS Titanic at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean in 2019 as part of six 11-day missions to explore the wreck. Taking part in the Titanic Survey Expedition, which is open to scientists and ‘citizen explorers,’ will cost US$105,129 (£83,537), which is the equivalent of what a first class ticket on Titanic’s maiden voyage would cost now.
RMS Titanic sank in April 1912 after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Image: Universal History Archive/Getty Images
There are nine “mission specialist” roles available on each mission, and the teams will depart from St. John’s, Newfoundland and fly to meet the Dive Support Ship at sea. Mission specialists will live and work with the operations crew and content experts throughout the mission, and will join at least one submersible dive to the Titanic, which will take around seven hours in a vessel called Titan. They will also have the opportunity to train and support the operations in roles such as sonar operation, laser scanning, navigation, communications, camera operations and data logging.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles explore the wreck of the Titanic. Image: Mmdi/Getty Images
Titanic struck an iceberg on 14 April 1912, and sank in two hours and 40 minutes, claiming the lives of 1503 people. It is rapidly decaying and a number of estimates have been made about the length of time left before it is no longer recognisable as a shipwreck. This multidisciplinary team will collect 4K images and video, and will scan the wreck and debris field to collect laser and sonar data. The data will then be used to create a high-resolution 3D virtual model, making it possible for researchers to accurately assess the rate of deterioration as well as document and preserve the memory of the site for generations to come.
Titanic struck an iceberg on 14 April 1912 and sank in two hours and 40 minutes. Photo by Ralph White
Those wishing to join the missions must be over 18 and able to board small boats (Zodiacs) in rough seas. They must demonstrate basic balance, mobility and flexibility and complete a required one-day Helicopter Underwater Egress Training course. For further information on the missions and requirements, see here.
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