Titanic in China

Welcome back to my blog about the RMS Titanic. I took a short hiatus due to moving, but I'm back to posting regularly again. As for writing updates, I’m still seeking publication of my novel about twelve-year-old Titanic survivor Ruth Becker, and I’m in the middle of writing a new novel, based on a true story that took place during the American Revolution. I love hearing from readers, so please continue to comment and share the posts with others.In 2017, we looked at the new Titanic replica being built in China—the first full-size replica of the ship ever constructed. Designed to be a tourist attraction and not actually sail anywhere, Titanic II (as some are calling it) is situated 930 miles from the nearest ocean, in Daying, Sichuan Provence. It will float, though, in a man-made reservoir to be built around it.

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Construction site showing the hull interior, with insert of artist's rendering

National Public Radio recently checked on Titanic II’s progress. According to their report, the completion date was originally set for August 2017 but may still be a few years away, although the hull is finished. Inspired by the movie, Titanic, builder Su Shaojun of Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group hopes the ship will draw other movie fans, as well as anyone interested in the famous ship. Estimated to cost $145 million, plans initially called for a high-tech re-enactment of the iceberg collision, but those have been scrapped following criticism.

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Closer view of artist's rendering of the future Titanic II

With 40 million people residing in the area, Titanic II is certain to attract thousands of visitors from China and around the world. Guests will be able to book a room on board and participate in period-correct games and activities. Meals served will replicate the original Titanic offerings.

If distance and expense were no objects, would you take a “voyage” on Titanic II?

Photo credits: Nationalpost.com, Thatsmags.com

Titanic Today

Although the RMS Titanic sank nearly 105 years ago, the ship is still making news. Documentaries, books, movies, exhibits, and conferences about Titanic continue to draw our attention. Now, there’s even a video-on-demand Titanic Channel! Here’s a sampling of the latest news about the ship:

Did a fire cause Titanic to sink? A 2017 New Year’s Day British television documentary, “Titanic: The New Evidence,” claimed a coal fire in one of Titanic’s bunkers was the real cause of her sinking. According to the documentary, newly-discovered photographs taken before Titanic left the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast reveal a long black mark on the ship’s starboard side. Experts claim the mark was likely caused by a coal fire, which could have weakened the hull. When the ship struck an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, the already damaged hull didn’t stand a chance.

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Titanic leaving Southampton on April 10, 1912

Not everyone agrees with the documentary’s findings, however. On Encyclopedia Titanica’s Facebook page, for example, many Titanic experts state the findings are “old news” and largely false. Bunker fires in coal-burning ships were common at the time, and although Titanic did have a fire in one of her bunkers, it was not severe enough or in the area that would have caused the mark in the photograph. The fire was extinguished prior to striking the iceberg, and it did not damage the ship’s hull.

Titanic in China

The Chinese are constructing a full-size replica of the Titanic, although it will be permanently docked on a river. Slated to open near the end of 2017, the tourist attraction in Sichuan will be an exact reproduction of the ship, down to the last detail. At a cost of over one billion yuan, developers claim that visitors will be able to experience what life was like aboard the luxurious liner. Even the moment the Titanic struck the iceberg will be reproduced using high-tech simulators.

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Titanic China under construction

Titanic Belfast 2017

Among the many international exhibits and events focusing on the Titanic this year, perhaps the most publicized will be the Titanic Gathering in Belfast. The city where the ship was built is already the home of the world’s top-rated tourist attraction, Titanic Belfast. The April 14-15 gathering will coincide with the 105th anniversary of the sinking, and will feature expert speakers, discussions, tours, and all things Titanic. Relatives of the ship’s passengers and crew will attend, as well as authors of Titanic books and hundreds of Titanic enthusiasts from around the globe.

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Photo credits: EncyclopediaTitanica.com, CNN.com, TitanicBelfast.com