A plan by RMS Titanic Inc. to auction more than 100 artifacts recovered from the Titanic wreck in the North Atlantic is facing opposition from the U.S. government, according to newly unsealed court documents reported by multiple outlets. The artifacts reportedly include personal belongings, currency, kitchen items and ship decor. RMS Titanic Inc., which holds exclusive salvage rights to the wreck, wants to sell the objects for the first time despite prior arrangements that limited the items to display in museums and on traveling exhibitions.
Supporters of the auction plan argue the company has rights tied to its salvage operations, while the U.S. government and other opponents contend that earlier agreements restrict selling. Several reports note that a 1990s agreement—made in connection with RMS Titanic Inc.’s exclusive salvage rights—requires that recovered items not be sold. The dispute is playing out in court, with documents recently unsealed, and outlets say the U.S. government is taking steps to challenge the proposed shift from public display to auction.
