Immediate Aftermath and Casualties
After striking an iceberg on April 14, 1912, the Titanic sank in the early hours of April 15. More than 1,500 people died, and survivors were rescued by the Carpathia. The disaster led to major changes in maritime safety regulations and ship design standards worldwide.
Salvage Attempts and Early Efforts
In the decades following the sinking, numerous salvage proposals were considered, but most were deemed impractical or too costly. Early attempts focused on raising the ship or recovering bodies, yet the extreme depth, cold water, and remote location made large-scale recovery impossible at the time.
Discovery of the Wreck and Ongoing Exploration
The wreck was located in 1985 by a joint American-French expedition led by Robert Ballard. Since then, expeditions have documented the site, recovered artifacts, and studied the deteriorating hull. The Titanic wreck site is protected under international agreements, and organizations such as RMS Titanic Inc. manage salvage and exhibition efforts.
For more details on the discovery and exploration history, visit NOAA Ocean Explorer Titanic Expedition.
