The Greek government revealed the salvage of maritime relics from the sunken remains of HMHS Britannic, more than a century after the vessel was sunk in the Aegean Sea by a enemy mine.
This mission was conducted in May but revealed on recently, when the culture ministry released details about the items retrieved.
An group of 11 skilled divers operating advanced rebreathers conducted the recovery, which was coordinated by a historical researcher.
Included in the items retrieved were the ship's lookout bell, a navigation light, binoculars, ceramic tiles from onboard spa areas, and equipment from first- and second-class cabins.
The recovered objects were secured in special boxes and promptly treated of biological growth.
Afterward, they were moved to the research facilities of the underwater heritage agency in the Greek capital, where conservation work will continue.
Some objects identified in the initial mission remained in place due to their condition and underwater position.
In time, they will go on show at the new National Museum of Underwater Antiquities in the port city, within a section focusing on WWI.
This historic vessel was the final of the shipping company’s famous series of steamships, along with the ill-fated Titanic and RMS Olympic.
The vessel was taken over by the British Admiralty during the war to function as a floating clinic.
On 16 November 1916, it collided with a naval mine off the coast of Kea and went under in less than an hour.
Out of 1,065 people on board, 30 died when a pair of rescue boats were drawn toward the vessel’s spinning blades.
