Washington, Sep 5 (FN Agency) The RMS Titanic, which has been submerged on the ocean floor for the last 112 years ever since it sank after colliding with an iceberg, is now exhibiting considerable signs of deterioration, media reported. The 883-foot (269-meter) long vessel, which met a tragic fate on April 15, 1912, fragmented as it dived nearly 12,500 feet (3.8 kilometers) to the seabed, leading to the deaths of more than 1,500 people, including passengers and crew. Experts are now wondering about the ultimate destiny of this historic wreck as it continues to decay in the deep ocean bed, BBC reported. The wreck of the Titanic, largely undisturbed apart from sporadic explorations by deep-sea submersibles and occasional salvage operations to recover small artifacts, has been gradually deteriorating over the years. Recent photographs from an expedition to the site, situated nearly 640 km southeast of Newfoundland, have underscored the persistent decline of the once-grand vessel as it yields to the unyielding forces of the deep sea.
Since the discovery of the Titanic’s wreck in 1985, its bow, adorned with iconic railings, has served as a poignant reminder of the tragedy. However, scans conducted in 2022 indicated that the railings were beginning to buckle, and a subsequent visit in 2024 confirmed that a significant portion has now collapsed. This striking imagery illustrates how the harsh conditions of the ocean, characterised by immense pressure, strong currents, and iron-eating bacteria, are systematically dismantling of the legendary ship. On the ocean floor, the Titanic is surrounded by immense water pressure. With no remaining air pockets, further catastrophic implosions are unlikely. Nevertheless, the ship’s own weight of 52,000 tons is contributing to its accelerated decay. Like any other iron body the ship is also rusting and is surrounded by the bacteria. The wreck is covered by a layer of biofilm, a blanket of marine fungi, feeding on the wreck. Much of the corrosion is caused due to bacteria. Visitors have noticed that it has become covered rusticles.