Titanic explorers' dive reveals 'shocking' state of wreck

First venture to the ship in 15 years finds that features have decayed completely

The first dive to the Titanic in nearly 15 years has revealed "shocking" deterioration in the state of the wreck.

An international team of explorers made five dives with manned submersibles in early August to survey and photograph the ship, which lies at a depth of 3,800 metres in the North Atlantic. The once opulent vessel is rapidly being destroyed by metal-eating bacteria, salt corrosion and deep ocean currents.