Elijah Williams
The US Government is embroiled in a fierce legal battle to halt the next expedition to the legendary Titanic wreckage in Norfolk, Virginia.
Despite this, diving enthusiasts can still explore the Titanic and secure permits to venture into its hull, as long as they possess the necessary resources. However, only one company, RMS Titanic Inc., holds the exclusive rights to salvage items from the wreck. These rights were granted by the US District Court in Norfolk, Virginia, which specializes in shipwrecks and salvage, almost thirty years ago.
Nevertheless, the US Government is determined to prevent RMS Titanic’s upcoming expedition, exercising its right to veto trips it opposes. According to the US-UK treaty enacted by Congress in 2017, any research, exploration, salvage, or activity that could physically alter or disturb the RMS Titanic wreck or site requires authorization from the Secretary of Commerce.
Originally, RMS Titanic had planned to retrieve a Marconi wireless telegraph from the ship, which was used to send distress signals. This prompted the government to file a legal challenge. Unfortunately, the trip was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the New York Times reports that the company recently informed the court of their intention to proceed with the telegraph recovery and capture images of the ship’s interior using remote vehicles. The government is concerned that this expedition could disturb the wreckage, including human remains at the site, as reported by AP News.
RMS Titanic has assured that they will only take unattached items from the ship and access the interior in areas where deterioration has created openings large enough for remotely operated vehicles to enter without compromising the current structure, according to AP News.
“The company firmly believes it has the right to continue salvage activities at the wreck site,” stated Brian A. Wainger, lawyer for RMS Titanic, as quoted by the New York Times. “This right does not require seeking or obtaining approval from any third parties other than the U.S. District Court, which maintains jurisdiction over the wreck site.”
This battle is expected to be a lengthy one, possibly even reaching the Supreme Court.
