Seabourn Pursuit Discovers Long-Lost German Supply Ship Titania in Chilean Waters

## Seabourn Pursuit Unearths Long-Lost German Supply Ship Titania in Chilean Waters

In a thrilling discovery that echoes the spirit of adventure, Seabourn, renowned for its ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, has unearthed a piece of maritime history off the coast of Chile. On October 14, 2024, the Seabourn Pursuit, the brand’s latest purpose-built expedition vessel, uncovered the long-lost Titania, a German supply ship that had vanished from the ocean’s depths for over a century.

The Titania, which met its watery demise in 1914, now rests 95 meters beneath the surface near Alejandro Selkirk Island in Chile’s Juan Fernández Archipelago. This remarkable find marks the first time the Titania has been seen since its deliberate sinking, making it a truly historical moment.

“Experiences like these are a testament to the spirit of expedition, and this discovery is nothing short of historic,” said Robin West, vice president and general manager of expeditions at Seabourn. “Seabourn’s expeditions, and particularly our submarine explorations, often take our guests to places where no other human has ever explored. I am incredibly proud of our expedition team for delivering this once-in-a-lifetime and truly unforgettable ‘Seabourn Moment’ to our guests and the local community on Selkirk Island.”

The discovery was a testament to the dedication of the submarine team and their collaborative spirit. Led by Submarine Pilot Mauricio Fernandez, the team, comprised of Kieran Buckley, Henrik Enckell, and Isaac Yebra, partnered with local fisherman Gino Perez, who had long heard tales about the Titania’s possible location. Perez joined the dive, assisting the team in pinpointing the suspected wreck site.

Under ideal weather conditions, the team uncovered the Titania 95 meters below the surface, approximately 4.25 nautical miles off Selkirk’s northwest coast. Following the discovery, the island’s harbor master confirmed that no previous diver or submarine had ever explored the wreck.

Fernandez shared how the emotion in the submarine was palpable. “We were there witnessing history, and our guests had the chance to be a part of this discovery of Titania and the first to see this ship after she sank to the bottom of the ocean 110 years ago. This was truly a special moment of discovery and a perfect example of how Seabourn expeditions continue to provide our guests with incredible Seabourn Moments throughout each journey.”

Guests who witnessed the Titania’s unveiling shared their awe and wonder. “It was almost magical. It really was quite extraordinary,” said Irene Blum, a guest who was in the submarine during the discovery.

For Perez, the experience was particularly emotional. “I imagined this ship so many times and now I can see where she is, how she looks like and how she is resting at the bottom. Thank you so much, my father manages this sector of the island, this means a lot to us and our family history. This is extraordinary.”

The Titania, deliberately scuttled on November 19, 1914, has been the subject of local folklore for generations. While fishermen occasionally found metal fragments in their lobster traps, believed to be from the vessel, the wreck’s exact location had remained undiscovered until now.

This historic discovery adds another layer of intrigue to Seabourn Pursuit’s already captivating South Pacific itineraries. Spanning over 4,000 miles, these voyages take guests on a journey through the remote and rich regions of Melanesia, French Polynesia, and San Antonio, Chile. Passengers have the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most isolated treasures, including the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, Easter Island, the Pitcairn Islands, and the Yasawa Islands of Fiji.

Seabourn Pursuit is set to continue these thrilling adventures in 2025, offering four exclusive voyages: two 20-day journeys (one departing from San Antonio, Chile to Papeete, Tahiti on March 18, 2025, and another from Papeete to San Antonio on October 10, 2025), an 18-day voyage from Papeete to Sydney departing on April 7, 2025, and a 16-day Remote Shores of New Guinea & Indonesia voyage setting sail from Sydney to Darwin on April 24, 2025.

Unforgettable Submarine Adventures with Seabourn

A key highlight of Seabourn Pursuit’s expeditions is the opportunity to embark on unforgettable submarine experiences. Both Seabourn Pursuit and its sister ship, Seabourn Venture, are equipped with two custom-built, state-of-the-art submarines designed to offer guests an extraordinary perspective beneath the ocean’s surface. These submarines allow for a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of surreal underwater landscapes, from the icy depths of Antarctic waters to the vibrant, marine life-filled reefs in tropical seas.

In select destinations, guests can dive into unexplored locations, possibly being among the first humans to set eyes on these hidden realms. Seated in two clear acrylic spheres, flanking the pilot’s station, passengers enjoy an awe-inspiring view with virtually undistorted sightlines in every direction. Each sphere contains three passenger seats mounted on a rotating platform, allowing for the best possible viewing experience.

Submarine dives are offered on select itineraries, including Seabourn Pursuit’s South Pacific sailings from March through October 2025, and are available for an additional charge. Operated by highly trained pilots, Seabourn’s submarines are built to the highest safety standards, certified by Lloyd’s Register and undergoing annual external inspections. These advanced submarines are designed with multiple safety features, including a safety buoy and a maximum diving depth of 300 meters (less than 1,000 feet). Throughout each dive, a surface boat remains in constant communication with the submarine, ensuring a safe and seamless experience.

A New Level of Adventure Awaits

With its upcoming 2025 voyages and unparalleled submarine explorations, Seabourn Pursuit offers guests the ultimate opportunity to experience the wonders of the South Pacific like never before. Whether discovering historic shipwrecks or witnessing the vibrant marine life in untouched underwater worlds, Seabourn continues to set the standard for ultra-luxury adventure travel, providing guests with experiences they will treasure for a lifetime.

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