In a dramatic showdown beneath the depths of the Atlantic, the United States government is taking legal action to halt a planned expedition to recover the Marconi telegraph wireless machine from the iconic Titanic wreck. The voyage, organized by a Georgia-based company, seeks to retrieve the historic device that transmitted the distress signals during the fateful night of 1912.
As we journey back to 1985, when the sunken ocean liner was first discovered, the US Congress and several nations, including the UK, France, and Canada, deliberated on establishing international norms for access to the Titanic wreck, which had become a solemn resting place for over 1,500 souls. Fast forward more than three decades, and an agreement still eludes these nations. Only the United States and the United Kingdom managed to ink a pact that forbids any activities, including research and salvage operations, that could disturb the Titanic’s resting place in international waters without the approval of the US Secretary of Commerce.
This bilateral accord goes against the typical principles of maritime law, where discoverers of shipwrecks typically have salvage rights to recover all cargo. Intriguingly, in the case of the Titanic, the French-American company that originally found the wreck relinquished its salvage rights. This created an opening for others to step in, leading to Georgia-based RMS Titanic Inc. obtaining exclusive salvage rights in 1994.
Over the years, RMS Titanic Inc. has successfully recovered thousands of artifacts, captivating audiences around the world. In May 2020, the company obtained court permission to salvage the Marconi wireless telegraph machine, arguing that it held historical and cultural significance. They believed that rescuing it from the depths would protect it from decay and contribute to the enduring legacy of the ill-fated ship.
However, the US government vehemently opposed the expedition at that time, citing concerns about potential complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as the company prepares for another attempt to retrieve the machine from the Titanic’s radio room, the US government has once again voiced its opposition through legal channels.
RMS Titanic Inc. asserts that its mission is to “preserve the memory and legacy of the Titanic.” They have a detailed plan to recover the device without causing harm. An unmanned submersible will navigate the ship through the broken skylight or roof, already corroded by the ravages of time. The radio, situated near the grand staircase, will be carefully extracted using a suction dredge to remove sediment, and manipulator arms will delicately sever the electrical cords. The company also plans to exhibit the radio alongside stories of the individuals who sent out the distress signals, ensuring their memory endures.
While RMS Titanic Inc. expresses its intent to collaborate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees the wreck, the US government insists that they must obtain a permit before proceeding. Their motivation stems from the belief that the recovery operation could irreparably alter the wreck, and the company’s refusal to comply tarnishes the United States’ reputation in upholding a “global” accord.
As the legal clash unfolds, experts anticipate a protracted battle that could span several years, echoing the enduring mystery and allure of the ill-fated Titanic.
Reference: InterestingEngineering.com
