The RMS Titanic sank in the early hours of 15 April 1912 after striking an iceberg during its maiden transatlantic crossing. Most of the wreck now lies on the seabed of the North Atlantic Ocean, far beyond the horizon visible from any coast.
Below is a quick reference table that frames the key facts around the disaster, the ship, and the location where Titanic came to rest.
| Category | Detail | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ship | Name | RMS Titanic | Olympic-class ocean liner operated by White Star Line |
| Ship | Tonnage | 46,328 GRT | Largest passenger ship at launch in 1911 |
| Voyage | Route | Southampton to New York City | Intermediate stops including Cherbourg and Queenstown |
| Voyage | Departure | 10 April 1912 | Noon local time from Southampton |
| Disaster | Collision | 11:40p.m. 14 April 1912 | Starboard side, North Atlantic iceberg field |
| Disaster | Sinking completed | 2:20a.m. 15 April 1912 | About 2 hours 40 minutes after impact |
| Wreck | Location | North Atlantic Ocean | Approximately 370 nautical miles southeast of Newfoundland |
| Wreck | Depth | 12,500 to 12,600 feet (3,800 to 3,840 m) | Layout split across two main debris fields |
North Atlantic Ocean the final resting place
Geographic context of the sinking
The Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean after drifting for hours following the collision. The wreck lies roughly 370 nautical miles southeast of the southern tip of Newfoundland, Canada, in one of the most remote and inhospitable regions at sea.
The exact coordinates place the bow section near 41°43′57″N 49°56′49″W, resting on a rocky, silty plain that has become the most famous shipwreck in the world. Large debris fields spread across the seabed, illustrating the violence of the breakup as the ship descended into the darkness.
Iceberg collision route and navigation
How the Titanic met the iceberg
Warnings about ice had been relayed to the bridge, but the ship maintained high speed in a known ice field on the night of 14 April. Lookouts had already spotted the iceberg and raised the alert, yet the helm could not steer the vessel away in time.
The underwater ridge of the berg gouged the starboard side, rupturing multiple watertight compartments. Because the damage extended along a much longer section than a single compartment could withstand, the progressive flooding overwhelmed the system designed to keep the ship afloat.
Depth conditions at the wreck site
Pressure and environment at 12,500 feet
At depths exceeding 12,000 feet, the pressure is more than 350 times surface level, and near-freezing temperatures slow natural decay. These conditions have preserved certain artifacts while also causing the metal hull to slowly corrode.
Modern expeditions using submersibles and remote cameras operate under strict limits to minimize disturbance. Teams document the site carefully to balance scientific study with respect for the more than 1,500 people who lost their lives.
Modern exploration and preservation
Expeditions and technology used to study the site
Since the wreck was rediscovered in 1985, numerous missions have mapped the debris fields and recovered a limited number of artifacts for museum display. Advances in sonar, optical systems, and digital reconstruction have transformed understanding of how the ship broke apart on the ocean floor.
International agreements now regulate access to the site, treating it as a memorial rather than a site for commercial salvage. Researchers emphasize long-term monitoring to track structural changes and ensure the memory of the event remains accurate and respectful.
Key takeaways
- The Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean after colliding with an iceberg on 14 April 1912.
- The wreck rests at a depth of roughly 12,500 to 12,600 feet (3,800 to 3,840 meters).
- It is located approximately 370 nautical miles southeast of Newfoundland, Canada.
- Modern exploration treats the site as a memorial, with regulations limiting disturbance.
- Ongoing monitoring helps preserve historical understanding and honor the memory of those lost.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which ocean did the Titanic sink in?
The Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 370 nautical miles southeast of Newfoundland.
How deep is the Titanic wreck below the surface?
The main wreck lies at a depth of about 12,500 to 12,600 feet (3,800 to 3,840 meters) below the ocean surface.
How long did it take for the Titanic to reach the seabed?
After breaking apart on the surface, the sinking process took roughly two hours and forty minutes from the initial collision to the bow hitting the ocean floor.
What is the condition of the Titanic wreck today?
The wreck is slowly deteriorating due to deep-sea currents, microbes, and metal corrosion, with certain sections becoming increasingly fragile over time.