Five Deeps Team Completes First Dive to Titanic Shipwreck in 14 Years

22 August 2019 • Written by Miranda Blazeby

The team behind the historic Five Deeps Expedition has carried out the first dive to the shipwreck of the Titanic in 14 years.

The expedition took place off the DSSV Pressure Drop, which arrived at the site of the wreck 380 miles south east of St John’s, Newfoundland on July 29.

The week long expedition of dives began after the crew held a memorial service on board for the 1,500 people who died in the shipwreck, laying a wreath over the side in their honour.

The bow of the Titanic was filmed nearly 4,000 metres down

The Triton-built sub, Limiting Factor, which is the only unlimited depth submersible in the world, dived 4,000 metres down to the wreck in -1C water. Footage of the dive is set to feature in a documentary film made by BAFTA and Atlantic Productions.

Expedition leader and EYOS Expeditions Rob McCullum, who led the last dive on the Titanic in 2005, said it was a “privilege” to return.

The team also revealed that the wreck is being eroded by strong Atlantic currents, salt corrosion and metal eating bacteria.

“This is the first dive that anyone has done since our last dive in 2005. No one has seen the Titanic since and so we were anxious to check in and to monitor her condition, work with scientists who have monitoring stations onsite and to assist with the filming of a new documentary.”

McCullum also revealed the challenges of diving to the wreck, despite the team having more than 200 Titanic dives under their belts.

The portholes and winches of the Titanic were captured in the footage

“The Titanic is very difficult to reach because the logistics of working at 12,500ft while 370 miles offshore are challenging,” he said.

“We cannot take anything for granted. We plan every dive from scratch and it is an immense honour and responsibility to have returned to the Titanic after so many years.”

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