![\\"News](\\"/images/nlp-logo.svg\\"/)The News Literacy Project![\\"RumorGuard](\\"/images/rumorguard-logo.svg\\"/)RumorGuard homepage * RecentChecks * TheFactors * TheTopics * TakeAction Open search bar * Recent Checks * The Factors * The Topics * Take Action ## Share Share this content via emailShare a link to this contentShare this content via TwitterShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin Share this content via emailCopy the link to this contentShare this content via emailShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin 06.30.2023 Open share options Share this content via emailShare a link to this contentShare this content via TwitterShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin ![\\"A](\\"/_next/image?url= #Titanic #Titan #FalseContext #ConspiratorialThinking ![\\"A](\\"/_next/image?url= #Titanic #Titan #FalseContext #ConspiratorialThinking 06.30.2023 Open share options Share this content via emailShare a link to this contentShare this content via TwitterShare this content via FacebookinShare this content via Linkedin # Old painting passed off as Titan debris The disappearance of a submersible near the wreckage of the Titanic has led to a number of online conspiracy theories, including the absurd notion that powerful forces conspired to prevent the Titan passengers from seeing it. Some conspiracists shared this post as evidence that the submersible got close to the wreckage before imploding — but the image is actually an acrylic painting from 1987. Let’s look at the facts. ## Quick Look * No This is not a genuine photo of debris from the Titan submersible that imploded during an attempted visit to the ocean floor to view Titanic wreckage in June. * Yes This image actually shows an acrylic painting that features a different submersible — named Alvin — that toured the wreckage in 1986. ## The Takeaway Trending news stories often provide sustenance for misinformation — especially when they provoke a combination of intense public interest and strong emotions. Conspiracy theorists frequently try to capitalize on these kinds of conditions to spread their baseless ideas on social media, where sensational topics garner quick and undiscerning likes and shares. By slowing down and employing some basic fact-checking skills — in this instance, a reverse image search using TinEye that reveals postings of this image from years ago — these conspiratorial claims can be stopped before they spread. # The 5 Factors We’ve determined that this viral rumor is misleading or false based on its failure to pass the following credibility factors. Please note that these factors do not represent degrees of falsehood. A post that fails a single factor is generally just as false as a post that fails all five. ### Snapshot * Authenticity * Source * Evidence * Context * Reasoning Authenticity ## Is it authentic? No. This is not an authentic photo of the Titan wreckage at the site of the Titanic. It is an acrylic painting of another submersible that toured the Titanic wreckage in 1986. Learn about authenticity Source ## Has it been posted or confirmed by a credible source? No. This image was widely shared by conspiratorial accounts and others chasing engagement online. Learn how to check sources Evidence ## Is there evidence that proves the claim? No. The evidence shows that this image is actually a painting from the 1980s. Learn how to check evidence Context ## Is the context accurate? No. This image was removed from its original context — a 1987 painting of a different submersible — and shared as a photo of the Titan wreckage taken in 2023. Learn about context Reasoning ## Is it based on solid reasoning? No. Authorities have reported that the Titan submersible imploded. Therefore, any images showing an intact submarine near the Titanic do not show the Titan. The implied claim here — that a conspiracy to hide the Titanic wreckage is so powerful even billionaires are victims — is absurd. Learn how to check reasoning Previous rumor Next rumor * Our process * About * Privacy Policy * | * Contact Us Facebook Twitter Linkedin Flipboard Tik tok Instagram Youtube Threads
A social media user claimed that the submersible Titan was found in tact near the Titanic in June 2023