Newly Discovered Photo May Show Iceberg That Sank Titanic

A recently uncovered photograph taken just two days after the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912 may provide a rare glimpse of the specific iceberg responsible for the ship's demise. The black and white image, captured by John Snow Jr. aboard the CS MacKay-Bennett, shows an iceberg with a distinctive shape and markings that experts believe could be the one that sealed the Titanic's fate.

The photograph, titled "Titanic," was preserved by Snow, who served as the chief embalmer on the MacKay-Bennett, a ship tasked with recovering bodies from the disaster site. While the image cannot be definitively confirmed as the iceberg that collided with the Titanic, it offers a tantalizing piece of historical evidence that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding one of the most infamous maritime tragedies in history.

The newly discovered photo is now up for auction through Henry Aldridge & Son Auctioneers, with estimates suggesting it could fetch between £4,000 and £7,000 (approximately $5,000 to $8,700). The auction house believes the photograph is a significant find, as it provides a rare visual record of an iceberg in the vicinity of the Titanic's sinking, captured just days after the event.

Other photographs are also being considered as potential evidence of the fateful iceberg, including one taken by a crew member of the Minia and another captured by the captain of the SS Etonian. These images, along with the newly discovered photo from the MacKay-Bennett, could help researchers and historians better understand the conditions and events that led to the Titanic's tragic end.

Why this matters: The sinking of the Titanic remains one of the most well-known and studied maritime disasters in history. The discovery of this photograph, if authenticated, could provide new insights into the specific iceberg that caused the tragedy, shedding light on a crucial piece of the puzzle that has captivated the public for over a century.

The photograph, preserved by John Snow Jr., serves as a haunting reminder of the Titanic's fate and the lives lost in the disaster. As the image goes up for auction, it is sure to generate significant interest from Titanic enthusiasts, historians, and collectors alike, eager to own a piece of history that may hold the key to understanding the ship's final moments.

Key Takeaways

• Newly uncovered photo may show iceberg that sank Titanic in 1912.
• Photo captured by chief embalmer aboard recovery ship MacKay-Bennett.
• Photo up for auction, estimated to fetch $5,000-$8,700.
• Other photos also being considered as evidence of the fateful iceberg.
• Discovery could provide new insights into Titanic's tragic end.