Sebastian, Florida, August 2019 – For the first time in 14 years, the RMS Titanic wreck has been visited by a human occupied vehicle: The Triton 36,000/2 (named Limiting Factor) full ocean depth capable manned submersible reached the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean (3,810 meters/12,500 feet) in a ground-breaking expedition in early August. An exploration team from Triton Submarines completed a total of five dives to the wreck over an eight-day time at the Titanic’s final resting place 370 miles south of Newfoundland, with Triton President and Co- Founder Patrick Lahey piloting three of the five dives. The last human occupied submersible dive to the Titanic was in 2005.
Following established U.S. legal protocols and under the observation of an on-board NOAA representative, the team of experts and scientists examined the remains of the ship, capturing for the first time extraordinary native 4K footage using specially adapted cameras, to capture the wreck in a way it’s never been seen before. Using the submersible camera systems, the team performed dedicated photogrammetry passes on the wreck, allowing highly accurate and photoreal 3D models of RMS Titanic to be produced. These assets will help assess the wreck’s current condition and project it’s future, as well as making it possible to visualise the wreck using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology.
Said Triton Submarines President and Co-Founder Patrick Lahey of the dives, “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.”
The scientists of the expedition will publish the full results alongside a documentary film being made by Atlantic Productions London.
Lying almost 4,000 meters beneath the surface in bitterly cold 1°C water, the wreck has become vulnerable from sweeping eddies and subjected to ever-changing sea currents. Salt corrosion, metal-eating bacteria and deep current action are having the greatest impact on the wreck. While on the site, the team laid a wreath and held a ceremony in honor of those who lost their lives on that fateful night in 1912.
Victor Vescovo, CEO of Caladan Oceanic and the submersible’s chief pilot remarked: “We are so pleased that we were able to repeatedly take the Limiting Factor down to the most historic ship lying on the ocean floor. Our success on Titanic clearly demonstrates we now have a proven system that can easily and repeatedly visit any ocean wreck, at any depth, anywhere in the world, and study it in detail. We’re seriously thinking about where to take her next.”
Rob McCallum of EYOS Expeditions led in the planning and permitting. A team of Triton crew members were on site for the RMS Titanic dives, assuring that each dive was made safely including: Patrick Lahey, Tom Blades, Kelvin Magee, Frank Lombardo, Steve Chapelle, Tim McDonald, Shane Eigler and Colin Wollerman.
About Triton Submarines, LLC
Triton Submarines of Sebastian, Florida, is the most experienced civil submarine producer in the world today – and the only contemporary manufacturer of acrylic and titanium pressure-hull- equipped personal submarines to deliver multiple classed and certified vessels capable of diving to 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) or more. Triton Submarines’ senior staff have over 350 years of combined experience with more than 80 different submersibles, and their operations team members have together logged over 25,000 dives. Triton clients also enjoy superlative after-sales service and technical support from a company dedicated to their total satisfaction.
For further information and imagery
Media enquiries, high-resolution imagery and additional technical details can be requested from Kelly Downey of Shamin Abas Ultra-Luxury Brand Marketing & Business Development (+1 212 734-5500) or (+1 517 231-7775).
