The RMS Titanic sank in the early hours of 15 April 1912 after striking an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Most of the wreck now lies in two main sections on the seabed, about 370 miles south-southeast off the coast of Newfoundland.
Below is a structured overview of the key facts about the site, depth, discovery, and protection status of where the Titanic went down.
| Aspect | Detail | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Final Coordinates | 41°43′55″N 49°56′45″W | Expedition navigation logs, 1985 |
| Depth | Approximately 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) | ROV depth soundings, NOAA |
| Distance from Newfoundland | About 600 kilometers (370 miles) | Marine charts, IHO |
| Discovery Year | 1985 | Robert Ballard expedition |
| Protection Status | Protected under international maritime law and national legislation | UNESCO Convention, US RMS Titanic Maritime Memorial Act |
Location of the sinking
The Titanic sank in international waters of the North Atlantic, roughly midway between Newfoundland and Greenland. The debris field stretches across the seabed, with the bow section and stern lying about 600 meters apart. The coordinates place the wreck in a region known for cold, high-pressure depths that have preserved the site for more than a century.
Depth and seabed conditions
At nearly 3,800 meters below sea level, the wreck rests on a muddy, silty plain. The extreme pressure and near-freezing temperatures have influenced how the ship has deteriorated over time. Soft sediments have partially buried lighter materials, while iron-rich sections have oxidized, creating distinctive rust formations that oceanographers study to understand long-term decay at depth.
Discovery and archaeological study
An American-French expedition led by Robert Ballard located the Titanic in 1985, using side-scan sonar and underwater Argo cameras. Subsequent dives documented scattered debris, including boilers, personal effects, and portions of the hull. A formal archaeological mission in 1987 retrieved artifacts for conservation, and later expeditions have used advanced 3D mapping to create detailed site models without disturbing the structure.
Legal and preservation status
Since 2003, the wreck has been protected under the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage. The United States and United Kingdom have also enacted domestic laws regulating research, salvage, and public display of artifacts. These measures aim to balance scientific access with respect for the site as a memorial to the more than 1,500 people who perished when the Titanic went down.
Key points
- Coordinates: 41°43′55″N 49°56′45″W in the North Atlantic
- Depth: about 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) below sea level
- Discovery: 1985 by a joint American-French expedition
- Site condition: two main sections with extensive debris field
- Protection: legally safeguarded under international and national laws
FAQ
Reader questions
Where exactly did the Titanic go down in the North Atlantic?
The Titanic sank at approximately 41°43′55″N 49°56′45″W, about 370 miles south-southeast of Newfoundland in the North Atlantic Ocean.
How deep is the wreck of the Titanic on the seabed?
The main sections of the wreck lie at a depth of roughly 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), resting on a deep-sea mud plain beneath the North Atlantic.
How far is the Titanic wreck from the coast of Newfoundland?
The debris field is located approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) from the coast of Newfoundland, placing it in international waters midway between Canada and Greenland.
When was the exact location of the Titanic sinking confirmed?
The precise location of the wreck was confirmed in 1985 during an expedition led by Robert Ballard, using sonar and underwater imaging technology.