April 15, 2012, marks the hundredth anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.
The R.M.S. Titanic, an ocean liner commissioned in England in 1910, was one of the most luxurious, state-of-the-art ships of its day. At nearly 269 meters (882 feet) long, the ship was thought to be unsinkable.
However, on April 15, 1912, the unthinkable happened. During the ship's maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, New York, the Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada and sank, tragically taking the lives of more than 1,500 passengers and crew. It was, and remains, one of the greatest nautical disasters in history.
The Titanic lay undiscovered at the bottom of the ocean for another 73 years, until oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Robert Ballard, of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, co-discovered it in 1985. Since then, there have been many expeditions to see the Titanic, some for scavenging, others for research. Some expeditions are conducted by people who simply continue to be fascinated by the ship and its icy fate. The story of the Titanic continues to captivate people, inspiring films, clubs, museums, websites, and historic reenactments.
- The ocean current that pushed the iceberg into the path of the Titanic is the Labrador Current.
- There are 150 victims of the Titanic buried in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, the largest number anywhere in the world.
- After the Titanic sank, the International Ice Patrol was created to monitor icebergs in the North Atlantic.
- The Titanic had two sister ships, the Olympic and the Britannic.
anniversary
Noun
remembrance of a past event, usually recognized on the day the event happened every year.
captivate
Verb
to hold the attention of.
commission
Verb
to formally order or give permission to work.
disaster
Noun
terrible and damaging event.
expedition
Noun
journey with a specific purpose, such as exploration.
Explorer-in-Residence
Noun
pre-eminent explorers and scientists collaborating with the National Geographic Society to make groundbreaking discoveries that generate critical scientific information, conservation-related initiatives and compelling stories.
fascinate
Verb
to cause an interest in.
luxurious
Adjective
rich or self-indulgent.
nautical
Adjective
having to do with oceans and sailing or navigation.
ocean liner
Noun
large ship used to transport people or goods to and from ocean ports on established routes, or lines.
oceanographer
Noun
person who studies the ocean.
Titanic
Noun
luxury cruise ship that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1912.
voyage
Noun
long journey or trip.
Articles & Profiles
- National Geographic News: New Titanic Pictures Mark 25th Anniversary of Discovery
- National Geographic Explorers: Robert Ballard, Ocean Explorer
- National Geographic Magazine: Titanic Revisited
Audio & Video
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Websites