Even a century later, the Titanic continues to be one of the most tragic peacetime maritime disasters that still haunt people who are familiar with the horrifying events of the fateful night of April 14, 1912.
The tragic story of the Titanic is just as mysterious and shocking today, as it was on the night the ship sank. Even though you might think that you have learned everything that is there to know about that unfateful night, there are several discoveries made from the Titanic that can chill you to the very bone. Check out some eerie discoveries made from the ‘unsinkable’ ship.
No human remains were found at the wreckage site
The wreckage site of the ship was discovered in 1985, more than 70 years after the tragedy, when a submarine found the Titanic two miles underneath the surface of the ocean. Since the discovery, over a dozen expeditions have been carried out to study the rusting ship. Although several artifacts have been uncovered, including silverware, perfectly preserved documents in safes, and luggage, no human remains were found. In just about five years, the deep seawater, undersaturated in calcium carbonate disintegrated all the skeletal remains.
A full moon night may have had a role in causing the tragedy
Scientists suggest that a full moon, in odd proximity (nearest lunar approach recorded since the year 796) to the Earth may have had a role in causing the ship to sink. According to experts, the full moon on the night of January 4, 1912, may have caused extraordinarily strong tides that drifted a flotilla of icebergs towards the south — just when the Titanic was about to set out for its maiden voyage.
The Titanic split into two parts
When the wreck was finally discovered by a research team headed by Robert Ballard in 1985, it ended the 73-year-old debate regarding whether or not the Titanic had split in two. The ship was found in two pieces, confirming earlier accounts that had been dismissed during the inquiry to safeguard the reputation of White Star Line.
A key that could potentially save the ship
In 2007, an ordinary-looking key was put up for sale in an auction, but it is believed this key could open the locker which had all the binoculars that could potentially save the Titanic from hitting the iceberg. The key was owned by Second Officer David Blair, who was removed from the crew right before the ship set out to sail, and due to the hasty change, he forgot to hand over the key to Charles Lightoller, his replacement.
We continue to immortalize the tragedy in movies, documentaries, and books while the ship, which was once considered “unsinkable,” rests at the bottom of the Atlantic.
