The Titanic sank in the early hours of 15 April 1912 after colliding with an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Most of the hull now rests in two main debris fields at a depth of about 3,800 metres, roughly 370 nautical miles south of Newfoundland.
Below is a detailed overview of the wreck site, surrounding environment, and key facts that explain where and how the Titanic came to rest on the ocean floor.
| Field | Value | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°43′55″N 49°56′45″W | Approximate location of the stern section | NOAA / WHOI expeditions |
| Depth | 3,800 metres (12,500 feet) | Average depth where major debris lies | Expedition logs |
| Distance from Land | 370 nautical miles | South-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland | Navigation charts |
| Water Temperature | 1 to 2 °C (34 to 36 °F) | Near-freezing conditions at depth | Oceanographic data |
| Sediment Layer | Up to 150 mm | Fine silt hiding many smaller artefacts | ROV sampling |
The Final Moments
Timeline of the collision and sinking
At 11:40 pM ship’s time on 14 April 1912, Titanic struck an iceberg on the starboard bow. The crew had limited time to assess the damage as compartments flooded. Over the next two hours and forty minutes, the ship gradually listed and split, with the stern rising vertically before slipping beneath the surface at 2:20A.M.
The Wreck Site Today
Current condition and preservation state
The wreck lies scattered across a wide debris field, with the bow section resting upright and the stern section inverted. Heavy corrosion, powerful currents, and undersea microbes have steadily weakened the structure, leading to ongoing deterioration that expedition teams continue to document.
Environmental Context
How the North Atlantic setting shaped the sinking
Icebergs in this region originate from Greenland glaciers and travel south along the Labrador Current. Cold temperatures at depth preserve metal but also create a harsh environment for recovery operations, influencing where and how debris settles on the seabed.
Recovery and Exploration
Key expeditions that mapped the crash location
Robert Ballard’s 1985 mission first located the main wreck using sonar and underwater cameras. Subsequent visits by scientific teams and filmmakers have produced detailed maps, sonar scans, and imagery that clarify the exact position and extent of the debris.
Looking Forward
Ongoing challenges for the Titanic site
Natural decay, tourism visits, and potential deep-sea mining all threaten the integrity of the wreck. Responsible exploration and stricter conservation guidelines aim to safeguard the site for future researchers and the public.
- Locate the wreck using verified coordinates and depth data
- Respect legal protections that prohibit unauthorised salvage
- Support scientific expeditions that use non-invasive mapping
- Promote public education on the historical and maritime significance of the site
FAQ
Reader questions
How far below the surface is the Titanic wreckage?
The main sections of the Titanic lie at a depth of approximately 3,800 metres, or about 12,500 feet below the ocean surface.
How far from Newfoundland did the Titanic sink?
The wreck is located roughly 370 nautical miles south-southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland, in the North Atlantic.
What coordinates mark the location of the Titanic?
The bow section is commonly referenced near 41°43′55″N 49°56′45″W, placing the primary debris field in that region of the ocean.
Why does the exact position matter for research and protection?
Precise coordinates support navigation safety, legal protection under maritime agreements, and scientific study of how the site interacts with deep-sea currents and ecosystems.