By Rhonda Rivas

As a historian and a person who loves The R.M.S Titanic, I am saddened that the Titan’s outcome was another tragedy. Honestly, when I first heard about it this past weekend, I knew. I knew that it would not end in some miracle. 

Sure, I was trying to be hopeful; however, from all my history training and my knowledge (little) of dives and watching Titanic documentaries over the years (full of science and water depth facts), I knew the chance of survival after immediate communication loss was not a good sign.

I grieve for their families and their loss. The well-known (to enthusiasts) Titanic Specialist, Paul-Henri “PH” Nargeolet, who was part of many dives and was part of many documentaries, is a loss to the diving world. 

Even so, I’d have been weary even with the name to be frank. The idea of diving into an experimental submersible put together with what appears to have been parts from various means, which includes Camping World and a carbon fiber “composite” material, and a video gaming controller, is unfathomable to me. 

I watched interviews with Dr. Robert Ballard and James Cameron, and they confirmed my thoughts and the basics of what little knowledge I have of the ocean. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I do my homework, I take my history seriously, and I love to remember and learn from history to help prevent repetition. That is why I haven’t posted before now or made/posted memes. While “funny,” and I may have chuckled, I have stayed quiet until today. 

Via the Titanic (story, plus the movie), I have met some of the best people from around America. Those group of Titanic Friends is special to me. We hold a friend bond, but I have never been obsessed. I can understand the allure of visitation but still find it odd for the common fans and historians.

Suppose you are wondering if I would ever want to make a dive to see it. It’s a resounding NO. It’s a grave site, but it is drastically different than other historical gravesites. Visiting Gettysburg does not have the potential to injure or kill you. One simply visits (in silence), respectfully observes and takes in the meaning of the location with an inner sadness which pays tribute to those affected by the history. The Titanic is history and sacred and should be left alone because of its drastically inhospitable location. There are many ways to honor and remember its lessons and people that do not include visitation. 

Yes, it’s rapidly disappearing due to the depth, sea life, and, most importantly, unknown micro-organisms. The world has many photos and digital renderings, and we have discovered many things through its study over the last 38 years since its discovery by Dr. Robert Ballard.  

If it is visited and “further explored,” I feel it’s best left to professionals like Dr. Robert Ballard and James Cameron (and others in their circle), who are rational and experienced with materials, engineering, and diving. Their dives (as well as French and German oceanographers) have succeeded and have been certified with no accidents. 

May those who perished in Titan rest and their families receive comfort and support in their grief.

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