Treasures Retrieved from the Titanic’s Sibling Vessel, HMHS Britannic
Greece has announced the salvage of maritime relics from the underwater site of the Britannic, over 100 years after the ship was destroyed in the Aegean waters by a naval explosive.
The operation was executed in May but only made public on this week, when the culture ministry published information about the artifacts.
An 11-member team professional deep-sea divers equipped with specialized diving gear carried out the mission, which was coordinated by a historical researcher.
Part of the artifacts salvaged were the vessel’s bell, a navigation light, binoculars, decorative tiles from onboard spa areas, and furnishings from guest quarters.
The artefacts were stored in protective cases and quickly rinsed of marine organisms.
Subsequently, they were delivered to the conservation labs of the underwater heritage agency in the city, where conservation work will continue.
A number of items identified in the initial mission could not be recovered due to their state and location.
These artifacts are scheduled to go on show at the upcoming maritime museum in Piraeus, within a exhibit honoring World War One.
The Britannic was the third of the White Star Line’s prestigious liner class of ocean liners, together with the RMS Titanic and Olympic.
The ship was requisitioned by the UK naval authorities during the Great War to operate as a floating clinic.
On 16 November 1916, it struck a enemy mine off the Aegean island and sank in under 60 minutes.
Of the the passengers and crew on board, 30 died when a pair of rescue boats were sucked into the ship's propellers.
