US opposes new Titanic expedition, citing it as a sacred site.
The U.S. Government Fights to Protect the Titanic Wreck
In an effort to preserve the historical significance of the sunken Titanic, the U.S. government is opposing a planned expedition by RMS Titanic Inc., the company that owns the salvage rights to the shipwreck. The government argues that federal law and an international agreement treat the site as a sacred gravesite.
RMS Titanic Inc. has been showcasing artifacts recovered from the wreck at the bottom of the North Atlantic, ranging from silverware to pieces of the ship’s hull. However, the government’s opposition is unrelated to a recent tragedy involving a different company and vessel.
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The legal battle taking place in the U.S. District Court in Norfolk, Virginia revolves around federal law and an agreement with Great Britain to treat the Titanic wreck as a memorial for the 1,500 people who lost their lives in the tragedy. The United States argues that any physical alteration or disturbance of the wreck is regulated by these laws, including concerns about artifacts and potential human remains.
In court documents filed on Aug. 25, U.S. lawyers stated, “RMST is not free to disregard this validly enacted federal law, yet that is its stated intent.” They emphasized that the shipwreck should be granted the protections granted by Congress.
RMS Titanic Inc. has tentatively scheduled its expedition for May 2024. The company plans to capture images of the entire wreck, including the interior where deterioration has created openings for a remotely operated vehicle to explore without compromising the structure. They also intend to recover artifacts from the debris field and potentially retrieve objects from the Marconi room, as long as they are not attached to the wreck itself.
The Marconi room played a crucial role in broadcasting distress signals after the Titanic struck an iceberg. The messages transmitted via Morse code helped save approximately 700 lives. RMS Titanic Inc. clarified that they do not intend to cut into the wreck or detach any part of it.
While the company stated that they would collaborate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. agency representing the public’s interest in the wreck, they do not plan to seek a permit. However, U.S. government lawyers argue that a permit from the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, who oversees NOAA, is necessary for the expedition to proceed.
RMS Titanic Inc. has not yet responded in court, but in previous cases, they have challenged the constitutionality of U.S. efforts to infringe on their salvage rights in international waters. The company asserts that only the court in Norfolk has jurisdiction and cites centuries of maritime law precedent.
In a statement to The Associated Press, RMS Titanic Inc. reiterated their position, highlighting that the court granted them salvage rights three decades ago. They emphasized their track record of recovering and conserving thousands of Titanic artifacts.
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