The RMS Titanic was a British passenger liner that departed Southampton in April 1912 on what was then the world’s largest and most luxurious ocean liner. The ship famously sank in the early hours of 15 April 1912 after colliding with an iceberg in the North Atlantic, leaving a lasting impact on maritime safety and popular culture.
Below is a structured overview of the key facts, followed by deeper explorations of where the wreck lies, how it was found, and how it is remembered today.
| Attribute | Detail | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Ship | RMS Titanic | Prefix RMS denotes Royal Mail Ship |
| Route | Southampton to New York City | Transatlantic crossing | Called on Cherbourg and Queenstown (Cobh) |
| Date of sinking | 15 April 1912 | 02:20 ship time | Collision with iceberg occurred 14–15 April |
| Location of sinking | North Atlantic | 41°43′57″N 49°56′49″W | Approximately 370 nautical miles south of Newfoundland |
| Passengers and crew | Total aboard | 2,224 | Approximately 705 survivors, 1,517 fatalities |
Where Was the Titanic Built and Launched
Construction began at Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Ireland, in 1909. The keel was laid in March 1909, and the hull was launched on 31 May 1911 before outfitting in Belfast and transfer to Southampton.
Route and Stops Before Sinking
Titanica began her maiden voyage at Southampton, England, with scheduled stops at Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland, before heading west across the North Atlantic. The intended destination was New York City, but the ship never completed the journey.
Where the Titanic Sank
After the collision with an iceberg on the night of 14 April 1912, the liner sank in the North Atlantic Ocean at a depth of approximately 12,500 feet (3,800 meters). The coordinates recorded by the US Senate inquiry are 41°43′57″N 49°56′49″W, about 370 nautical miles south of Newfoundland.
Discovery and Exploration of the Wreck Site
The wreck was located on 1 September 1985 by a joint American-French expedition led by Robert Ballard. Since then, multiple expeditions have documented the condition of the ship, revealing progressive decay while many artifacts have been recovered for conservation and display.
Legal and Preservation Status
International agreements and national laws now protect the site, with permits required for research and salvage activities. Concerns about looting and physical deterioration have led to stricter controls to preserve the historic wreck for future study.
The Titanic in Modern Memory and Maritime Safety
The disaster influenced global regulations, leading to improved lifeboat requirements, 24-hour radio monitoring, and international ice patrols. Today, the story continues to serve as a case study in engineering, hubris, and human behavior at sea.
- The Titanic was the largest passenger ship afloat at the time of its maiden voyage.
- It sank in the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg on 14–15 April 1912.
- The wreck lies approximately 370 nautical miles south of Newfoundland at a depth of about 12,500 feet.
- The site is legally protected, with access restricted to authorized research expeditions.
- Artifacts recovered from the wreck have been exhibited worldwide, raising awareness about maritime heritage.
- Safety reforms following the disaster include better lifeboat capacity and continuous radio monitoring.
- Ongoing studies of the wreck help scientists understand material decay in the deep ocean environment.
FAQ
Reader questions
Where exactly did the Titanic sink relative to modern coastlines?
The wreck lies in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 370 nautical miles south of Newfoundland, Canada, at a depth of about 12,500 feet near the coordinates 41°43′57″N 49°56′49″W.
How far below the surface is the Titanic wreck located?
The remains of the Titanic rest at a depth of roughly 12,500 feet (3,800 meters), making remote-operated vehicles essential for exploration and documentation.
What countries were involved in the discovery of the Titanic wreck?
The 1985 discovery was a joint American-French expedition, with key organizations including Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and IFREMER contributing expertise and technology.
Why is the Titanic wreck legally protected today?
Designation as an internationally significant maritime memorial and concerns about degradation have led to agreements such as the 2003 UNESCO Convention, requiring permits and regulating access to the site.