Titanic expedition shows off some crisp new images

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland. September 1. KAZINFORM An expedition surveying the wreck of the Titanic is showing off some crisp images of the world's most famous shipwreck, but officials said Sunday they are headed back to shore. Officials from Expedition Titanic said in a statement they are now headed back to Newfoundland because high seas and winds brought on by hurricane Danielle are preventing researchers from carrying out their work; Kazinform refers to China Daily.

photo: QAZINFORM

The team of scientists have been using a pair of robots to take thousands of photographs and hours of video of the wreck, which lies roughly 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) below the surface.

The hi-resolution images include shots of the ship's bow, clearly showing the railing and anchors.

The expedition left Newfoundland earlier this month to the spot in the Atlantic where the ship struck an iceberg in 1912 and sank. More than 1,500 passengers and crew perished on the ship's maiden voyage.

Scientist are using imaging technology and sonar devices that never have been used before on the Titanic wreck. They are probing nearly a century of sediment in the debris field to seek a full inventory of the ship's artifacts; Kazinform cites China Daily.

See www.chinadaily.com.cn for full version.