James Cameron: A Middle Path for Titanic Artifacts
Ocean experts have long debated the question of whether artifacts from the Titanic should be retrieved from the sea or left untouched as a memorial to the lives lost. James Cameron, the director of the movie “Titanic,” has emerged as a voice seeking a middle ground in this ongoing dispute.
Cameron, who made 33 dives to the shipwreck between 1995 and 2005, has a unique perspective on the condition and fate of the ship. His views are especially relevant now as the United States government attempts to exert control over the wreck and the company that has salvaged thousands of artifacts.
In a recent email interview with The New York Times, Cameron discussed his experiences diving to the Titanic and shared his thoughts on the future of the ship and its artifacts.
When asked about signs of natural decay during his dives, Cameron noted significant deterioration to certain structures, such as the deckhouse and forward mast. However, he emphasized that the majority of the wreck, including the hull plates, has not shown significant degradation and is expected to remain intact for at least another two centuries.
Cameron also addressed concerns about damage caused by visitors. He explained that the submersibles used to explore the wreck do not cause any significant harm, as they are neutrally buoyant and touch down with only a few pounds of force. He pointed out that biological activity, such as bacteria, is the primary cause of deterioration.
Regarding the retrieval of artifacts, Cameron described himself as a centrist between preservationists and salvors. He acknowledged the value of recovering artifacts from the debris field, as they humanize the tragedy and provide a connection to the past. He cited examples such as the bell from the crow’s nest and the Marconi set, which he believes should be recovered before they are irretrievable.
However, Cameron drew a line when it comes to changing the appearance of the wreck, stating that iconic elements like the bow and stern should remain untouched as monuments to the tragedy.
Cameron also discussed his relationship with Paul-Henri Nargeolet, a French submariner who recently passed away. While Cameron respected Nargeolet’s contributions to artifact recovery, they did have disagreements on certain plans, such as the retrieval of the bow anchors.
In 2017, Cameron participated in an unsuccessful attempt to buy the collection of Titanic artifacts and move them to Belfast, where the ship was built. He expressed concern about the collection falling into private hands and emphasized the importance of public access to these artifacts.
When asked about the federal government’s recent efforts to exert control over the Titanic, Cameron acknowledged the ongoing dispute and the challenge of regulating a wreck located in international waters.
In conclusion, Cameron believes that the recent tragedy involving the Titan submersible will not deter people’s curiosity and desire to witness the Titanic firsthand. However, he urged caution and discernment when choosing diving partners and emphasized the importance of certified equipment and reputable operators.
While Cameron expressed his willingness to dive again in the future, he also noted that there is no rush, as the familiar image of the bow will remain for at least another half century.
In the ongoing debate over the retrieval of Titanic artifacts, James Cameron’s perspective offers a nuanced approach that seeks to balance preservation, education, and respect for the tragedy that unfolded over a century ago.