This exclusive story is available to Business Insider subscribers, inviting readers to dive deeper into one of history's most captivating maritime disasters.

One of the most unforgettable moments in cinema history comes from James Cameron's 1997 blockbuster film, Titanic. The scene where the ship famously breaks in half has become emblematic of the tragedy that unfolded in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912. While this cinematic portrayal resonates with audiences worldwide, recent research suggests that it may not fully align with the accounts of survivors who experienced that fateful night firsthand.

Parks Stephenson, a prominent Titanic analyst, has shed light on the discrepancies between the testimonies of those who survived the sinking and the physical evidence left by the shipwreck itself. Theyre contradictory, he remarked, highlighting the challenges in piecing together the exact sequence of events during the disaster. He emphasized the reliability of the ships structure, stating simply, Steel rarely lies. This phrase encapsulates the importance of examining the wreck for insights that might clarify the ships last moments.

However, retrieving this information is no small feat. The Titanic rests more than 2.3 miles beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the most difficult shipwrecks to study. Fortunately, advancements in technology now provide researchers with unprecedented access to the site. In 2022, Magellan Ltd., an underwater mapping company based in the Channel Islands, undertook a groundbreaking project that involved capturing 715,000 images of the Titanic wreckage. The process, which took several months, culminated in the creation of a detailed digital twin of the ship, a virtual model that allows historians to explore the wreckage in ways that were previously unimaginable.

This innovative approach is the focus of a new National Geographic special produced by Atlantic Productions titled Titanic: The Digital Resurrection. The documentary showcases how experts like Stephenson are utilizing this digital imagery to delve into the mysteries surrounding the ships demise. By analyzing the virtual representation of the wreck, researchers hope to resolve longstanding questions about how the Titanic met its tragic end and to gain a clearer understanding of the events that transpired during those harrowing hours.

As technology continues to evolve and improve, the hope is that such advancements will unlock further secrets hidden in the depths of the ocean, allowing us to rewrite our understanding of this historical tragedy.