‘Mr Titanic’: The Diver Who Holds the Record for Most Time Spent at the Shipwreck!

Table: Paul Henri Nargeolet’s Contributions to Titanic Exploration

Year	Achievement
1987	Joined the first human expedition to visit the Titanic
1987	Recovered a remnant from the wreck (a silver plate)
1999	Participated in the Five Deeps expedition, setting a record for the deepest submersible dive
Ongoing	Revisited the Titanic wreck 35 times
Ongoing	Salvaged numerous items from the debris field surrounding the ship
Ongoing	Played a crucial role in mapping the site and documenting the deterioration of the wreck
Ongoing	Published the book “In the Depths of the Titanic”
Ongoing	Contributed to preserving the legacy of the Titanic through meticulous documentation
Ongoing	Continued to inspire and motivate future explorers and historians

Note: The table highlights some key achievements and ongoing contributions of Paul Henri Nargeolet in his exploration and study of the Titanic.

Paul Henri Nargeolet, renowned as “Mr Titanic,” has explored the wreckage of the legendary liner more extensively than any other adventurer. In 1987, a mere two years after the autonomous submersible discovered the wreck, Nargeolet, a former French naval captain, joined the initial expedition.

During an interview in 2019, the intrepid 73-year-old diver was asked if he ever experienced fear while descending 3,810 meters to reach the shipwreck. With remarkable nonchalance, he replied, “If you are 11 meters or 11 kilometers down, if something bad happens, the result is the same. When you’re in very deep water, you’re dead before you realize that something is happening, so it’s just not a problem.”

After dedicating 22 years to mine disposal in the navy, Nargeolet, an expert in deep-diving and submersible piloting, pursued a range of endeavors. He notably participated in the Five Deeps expedition, which aimed to explore the deepest parts of all five of Earth’s oceans, setting a record for the deepest submersible dive at 10,928 meters below the surface.

However, the focus of his career primarily revolves around the Titanic. In 1987, he participated in the first human expedition to visit the ship, exclaiming with sheer excitement when they stumbled upon the prow, “That’s it, we’ve done it!” Nargeolet was the first to recover a remnant from the wreck—a silver plate. Since then, he has revisited the site a staggering 35 times.

Working with RMS Titanic Inc, Nargeolet and his team salvaged numerous items from the debris field surrounding the ship, though they refrained from extracting anything from within the wreck. In a momentous event marking the Titanic’s centenary, RMS Titanic auctioned 5,000 artifacts from the ship in New York. The collection included personal belongings such as eyeglasses and jewelry, as well as ship fittings like a cherub that once adorned the grand staircase. The auctioned lot had a staggering value of over $189 million (£148 million).

Beyond the salvage operations, Nargeolet played a crucial role in mapping the site and documenting the deterioration of the wreck. Reflecting on their initial concerns about recovering artifacts owned by passengers, he explained, “We are resurfacing the history of these families, and for me, that’s a good thing.”

Nargeolet currently resides in Connecticut while his adult children live in Cork, Ireland.

Last year, Nargeolet released his book, In the Depths of the Titanic, in France. In it, he candidly admitted to pushing the boundaries of diving to see the Titanic. He described spending extended periods underwater, ranging from four to twelve hours, pushing the limits of submersible batteries. Nargeolet acknowledged receiving reprimands for his daring approach but justified his actions by saying, “Sometimes I go to the end of the (sub) batteries and sometimes even more than to the end.

Yes, I have been scolded multiple times for doing that.. Then the resurfacing takes just as long, so one can be down between 10 to 12 hours.”

Recalling his initial encounter with the wreck, Nargeolet vividly depicted the awe-inspiring sight. Alongside his two crew members, he stood in stunned silence for a full “10 minutes” as they admired the foredeck, marveling at the anchor chains and bronze winches that remained polished by the water and sediment. He further remarked, “You could read perfectly they were made in Glasgow.”

When asked why the Titanic continues to fascinate him even a century later, Nargeolet responded with enthusiasm, “The word Titanic is magic in my opinion because it always sparks a reaction. Some people are curious about the boat’s construction because it is a new kind of boat. There are those who are interested in the billionaires of the time on board, as they were the stars of the era. Some are intrigued by the immigrants seeking a new life in North America. Everyone can find an interest in the Titanic. Once you become deeply interested or involved in something, it can be difficult to let go or move on from it. It’s like when you explore the story or history of the Titanic, it captivates your attention so much that it becomes challenging to stop thinking about it or lose interest in it.

With his unwavering passion for the subject, Nargeolet has dedicated a significant portion of his life to unraveling the mysteries and stories hidden within the depths of the Titanic. With his vast knowledge and extensive experience, he has become a highly respected figure in his field, earning the prestigious title of “Mr. Titanic.” His expertise on the subject is unmatched, and his contributions have significantly enriched our understanding of this historic tragedy.

Through his unparalleled exploration of the Titanic’s remains, he has delved deep into the depths of the ocean to uncover its secrets. His meticulous efforts in salvaging artifacts from the wreckage have provided invaluable insights into the lives of those aboard the ill-fated ship. Each item recovered is a piece of the puzzle, shedding light on the passengers’ stories and the ship’s final moments.

Moreover, his dedication to documenting the site’s deterioration has been crucial in preserving the legacy of the Titanic. As time passes, the wreckage succumbs to the harsh conditions of the underwater environment. However, through his meticulous observations and detailed records, he has captured the gradual changes occurring at the site. This documentation serves as a historical record, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from this tragic event.

His work has not only advanced our knowledge but also instilled a sense of reverence and remembrance for the Titanic. Through his tireless efforts, he has breathed life into the stories of those who sailed on the ship, allowing their voices to be heard even after a century has passed. His passion for the subject and his unwavering commitment to its exploration have made him a true authority in the field.

Mr. Titanic” has earned his well-deserved reputation through his exceptional expertise, extensive exploration, artifact salvaging, and meticulous documentation. His contributions have played a vital role in expanding our understanding of this historic tragedy, ensuring that the memory of the Titanic lives on for generations to come.

Nargeolet’s courage and determination to venture into the depths of the ocean, risking his life to explore the Titanic, exemplify the spirit of exploration and human curiosity. His remarkable achievements stand as a powerful testament to the unconquerable essence of the human spirit. He has fearlessly pushed the limits of knowledge, daring to explore uncharted territories and expanding our understanding of the world.

As he continues to dive into the depths, Paul Henri Nargeolet remains captivated by the allure of the Titanic, perpetuating its legacy and ensuring that the stories of those on board are not forgotten. He never stops trying to learn more and always puts in a lot of effort to make sure the story of the Titanic is remembered. Because of this, he motivates and encourages people who want to explore and study history in the future.

Paul Henri Nargeolet, fondly referred to as “Mr Titanic,” has spent more time at the wreck of the ill-fated liner than any other explorer. His extraordinary career, marked by numerous expeditions and daring dives, showcases his unwavering passion for the Titanic and his commitment to unraveling its mysteries. From his initial encounter with the wreck in 1987 to his subsequent visits and salvage operations, Nargeolet has made invaluable contributions to our understanding of the Titanic’s history and the stories of those who were aboard.

By exploring, recording, and protecting historical artifacts related to ships and the sea, he has gained a lot of recognition and respect in the study of underwater archaeology.

Paul Henri Nargeolet’s unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements ensure that the legacy of the Titanic lives on, inspiring generations to delve into the depths of history and explore the unknown.