After over a century together, the Atlantic Ocean is officially breaking up with the Titanic.
According to a press release from Triton Submarines, the infamous sunken ship is in the process of “being consumed” by metal-eating bacteria, seemingly confirming claims the ship will completely disappear by 2031.
The discovery was made earlier this month when a group of divers from Triton returned from an 8-day trip to the location where the ship sunk back in 1912, about 370 miles south of Newfoundland, Canada.
During the crew’s series of five dives to the ship’s underwater resting place, they used special camera equipment to capture 4K footage of the ship which could help reconstruct the wreckage in augmented and virtual reality.
But the voyage also apparently revealed the ship’s days on the ocean floor are numbered, as officials discovered the Titanic is now being “consumed by the ocean.” Triton Submarines President and Co-Founder Patrick Lahey explained:
“The most fascinating aspect was seeing how the Titanic is being consumed by the ocean and returning to its elemental form while providing refuge for a remarkably diverse number of animals.”
V fascinating indeed!
Aside from the bacteria, the ship is also affected by salt corrosion and changing sea currents, officials added.
Of course, we already knew this process was happening: last year, scientists claimed the shipwreck will disappear in just a few decades due to the bacteria. But last time the Titanic had been visited by a vessel like this was 14 years ago, so now we have a clearer idea of just how bad (or good, if you’re on #TeamOcean) it’s getting down there.
In addition to exploring and filming the wreckage, the crew also took a moment to honor those who died in the 1912 voyage by laying a wreath at the site and holding a ceremony.
When the wreck was initially discovered in 1985 by oceanographer Robert Ballard, it was remarkably preserved thanks to the lack of light and the intense pressures of the sea. These factors made the area inhospitable to most life, which slowed corrosion.
But now, the hull is rusting away thanks to the metal-hungry bacteria and other underwater elements. Some researchers have predicted the shipwreck will last only 14 more years before it disappears forever. It’s a sad thought for the history of the ship and its doomed passengers, but a healing one for the ocean — and maybe, hopefully, the souls of the lives tragically lost that night in 1912.
At least we’ll always have the movie…
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