The RMS Titanic was crossing the North Atlantic on its maiden voyage when it struck an iceberg and sank in the early hours of April 15, 1912. At the moment of disaster, the ship was located in international waters roughly 370 miles south of Newfoundland, Canada.
Below is a structured overview of the key facts about where and when the Titanic met its fate, along with operational and geographic context.
| Event | UTC Time | Approx. Coordinates | Distance from Land |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iceberg sighted | 23:39 | 41.73°N, 49.95°W | 200 miles from Greenland |
| Collision with iceberg | 01:40 | 41.73°N, 49.94°W | 370 miles south of Newfoundland |
| Final distress call | 02:15 | 41.74°N, 49.93°W | 315 nautical miles to nearest land |
| Ship fully submerged | 02:20 | 41.73°N, 49.93°W | 3,800 meters below surface |
Exact coordinates of the sinking
The point where the Titanic finally slipped beneath the waves lies in the deep ocean basin south of Newfoundland. Modern measurements place the wreck at approximately 41.73°N latitude and 49.93°W longitude. This location corresponds to a depth of near 3,800 meters, far beyond the reach of routine surface navigation at the time.
Navigation route on the fatal night
On April 14, the Titanic followed a standard transatlantic track used by major liners in 11912. The route took the ship from the south of Greenland, due south toward a predicted ice zone, and along a great circle path to New York. Despite known ice reports, the vessel maintained high speeds and remained on a track that brought it through a dense field of drifting ice.
Distance and rescue challenges
When the Titanic sent its first distress signals, the nearest land was the coast of Newfoundland, more than 300 miles away. The closest ship, the SS Californian, had ceased radio communication and did not reach the scene until the morning after. The window for effective rescue was narrow, and the remote location complicated both communication and evacuation efforts.
Environmental conditions at the time
Water temperatures in the region were just above freezing, creating a severe survival challenge for passengers and crew in the water. Calm seas and clear skies that night limited natural visibility, while a layer of sea ice farther north indicated the presence of a powerful cold current. These conditions help explain the rapid sinking and the urgency faced by those on board.
Key takeaways
- The Titanic sank at approximately 41.73°N, 370 miles south of Newfoundland.
- The wreck now rests at a depth of about 3,800 meters in the North Atlantic.
- Navigation choices and known ice reports did not align with the caution expected on the night.
- Distance from land and environmental conditions severely limited rescue options.
- Understanding the exact location helps researchers study preservation and plan future exploration.
FAQ
Reader questions
How far south of Newfoundland did the Titanic sink?
Approximately 370 miles south of Newfoundland, in the North Atlantic Ocean.
What were the exact coordinates when the Titanic struck the iceberg?
Around 41.73°N, 49.94°W at the moment of collision.
How deep is the wreck of the Titanic today?
The wreck lies at a depth of roughly 3,800 meters (about 12,500 feet).
Why was the Titanic so far from help when it sank?
The remote location, combined with limited radio contact and delayed response, left the ship isolated during the critical minutes after the collision.