Iconic Titanic Railing Falls Off, Researchers Discover 'Diana of Versailles' Statue's Location

A segment of Titanic's iconic prow has detached from the ocean floor, researchers report. The prow inspired a famous scene in James Cameron's 1997 film about the shipwreck. Additionally, the site of the long-lost statue "Diana of Versailles" has been located.

Discovery at the Titanic Site

During a recent uncrewed dive to the Titanic wreck, research revealed a significant change in the state of the ship. The port side railing, a highly recognizable and iconic feature of the Titanic, has fallen off after more than a century on the ocean floor.

This discovery was made by James Penca, a researcher with RMS Titanic, Inc., which holds the sole salvage rights over the Titanic's remains. Penca reported to NPR that the port side railing had fallen off, highlighting the natural deterioration of different parts of the ship over time.

The Significance of the Fallen Railing

The fallen port side railing is particularly notable due to its prominence in the James Cameron film. One of the most famous scenes features Jack, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and Rose, played by Kate Winslet, standing at the very front of the ocean liner and capturing the spirit of adventure and romance.

The loss of this iconic feature marks a significant change in the appearance of the Titanic wreck. Penca emphasized that "Titanic will literally never look the same," underscoring the impact of the fallen railing on the visual representation of the ship.

RMS Titanic's Endeavor

The discovery of the fallen railing was made during a mission by RMS Titanic, which employed a vehicle equipped with high-resolution cameras and scanning equipment for the first time since 2010. This mission aimed to find and photograph artifacts that could be recovered in the future, with a particular focus on locating the "Diana of Versailles" statue from Titanic's first-class lounge.

The "Diana of Versailles" statue has been a coveted item for years, last photographed in 1986. The odds of rediscovering it were likened to finding "a needle in a haystack." Despite the challenges, RMS Titanic successfully located the statue and captured its first photos in 38 years.

This achievement was a significant milestone in the expedition, as the statue had eluded discovery for decades. Penca expressed excitement over the discovery, stating that they found it with just hours remaining in the expedition.

Documenting the Titanic

During the dive, researchers captured an astounding 2 million photos of the Titanic wreck. This extensive documentation is crucial as time is of the essence in capturing the deteriorating state of the ship.

Scientists have warned that bacteria could consume enough of the metal frame, leading to the potential disappearance of the ruins within a few years. The urgent need to record and preserve the shipwreck is paramount.

The Ongoing Fascination with the Titanic

Even more than a century after its tragic sinking during its maiden voyage in 1912, the story of the Titanic continues to captivate adventurers and researchers alike. The allure of witnessing the shipwreck firsthand attracts those willing to embark on a perilous journey to its resting site, located over 12,000 feet below the surface of the Atlantic.

However, The expedition's planning and execution are fraught with challenges. The perilous descent to such great depths poses inherent dangers, as evidenced by the tragic incident last year with OceanGate Expeditions, where five people lost their lives due to the implosion of their submersible, Titan.