I saw a commercial tonight for this week's (Wed. August 12, 9:00pm edt.) Dateline NBC:

A deep-sea expedition to study the Titanic is the focus of this hourlong report, a joint effort between NBC and the Discovery channel. It's a mission, says producer Sharon Scott, that deploys underwater cameras to explore areas not previously captured on film in order to "make the most complete mapping of the Titanic ever." According to Scott, the leaders of the project (sponsored by Discovery and the ship's legal owner, RMS Titanic, Inc.) are "hopeful [that the study] will culminate inretrieving part of the hull to take back to the U.S." The report also recalls an unsuccessful 1996 effort to raise the 20-ton hull; and profiles RMS Titanic president George Tulloch.

Thought you all would like to know!

-- Brian B (brain727@aol.com), August 10, 1998

Answers

Response to VCR Alert

I can't imagine how their going to get that hull out of the sea. Looks like it'll fall to pieces if they try. THAT would be very sad. I'd rather they leave it if there's a chance of that.

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 11, 1998.

Response to VCR Alert

The 20'x30' 22 ton "big piece" has started to be raised by diesel fuel filled bags today. At last check of the Discovery channel web site, they were having some problems getting it to move. Also, I heard on the news tonight that they had a power failure on the ship which has been repaired. Seems like this effort to raise this is plagued with problems as it was in 1996 when they raised it to within 200 feet of the surface when, one after another, the lift lines snapped and the piece returned to the sea floor and imbedded itself in the sand, upright. When they attempted this, they were trying to lift it flat which, of course, would create much resistance. Were I a believer in things paranormal (and sometimes I am a believer), I would say that this recovery was not meant to be! This piece, I believe is a part of the hull from the C deck area.

Regards, Peter

-- Peter Nivling (pcnivling@capecod.net), August 11, 1998.

Response to VCR Alert

Sorry, I meant to include the Discovery channel site for following this but, you know, it's late and the brain is starting to turn to mush! Here it is...

http://www.discovery.com/stories/science/titanic/titanic.html

Regards, Peter

-- Peter Nivling (pcnivling@capecod.net), August 11, 1998.

Response to VCR Alert

Thanks, Peter. I will definitely check it out. Sounds like it's not meant to be to ME, either...I'm sure those who consider it a gravesight would agree.

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 11, 1998.

Response to VCR Alert

Check this site of the expedition. You'll find there a calender with daily updates, well written, plus pictures. I check it daily.

http://www.titanic-online.com/expedition98/calendar.htm

And don't forget the Live Special on Sunday, August 16, on the Discovery Channel, at 8:00pm ET.

-- Dan Draghici (ddraghic@sprint.ca), August 11, 1998.