Bob Ballard on finding the Titanic and his search for Amelia Earhart | Rhode Island PBS Weekly

Pamela Watts' in-depth interview with University of Rhode Island Oceanographer Bob Ballard, who recounts finding the Titanic in 1985, which was flanked between two nuclear submarines. Now in his 80s, he’s still on the hunt--exploring new worlds and unraveling some of history’s most-puzzling mysteries, including what may have happened to aviator Amelia Earhart.
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[@magic.self.revival]

His respect for the gravesite speaks volumes. He was destined to find her because he respected her. Can’t say the same about the billionaires.

[@wbajohnn]

...

[@mikeborgmann]

Except he is a hypocrite because he opened safes he found in titanics debris field

[@liamweaver2944]

​@@mikeborgmann I'm sorry but you're full of shit. Ballard himself said that the wreck was a grave site and should be left undisturbed. There was however, a salvage operation that was not done by him in 1987 which did recover a safe, and was later controversially opened on live television, but it turned out to be empty.

[@liamweaver2944]

@@stevew2460 The Navy instructed him to find two US Navy subs that had sank in the 60s to avoid letting them fall into Soviet hands. As it happened, the Titanic was in the same area as those two submarine wrecks. Ballard was given a deal; If he found the two wrecks of the US Navy subs, they would let him look for the Titanic.

[@Wafaloo]

@@mikeborgmannhe didn’t open the safe. He tried to open one with a robotic hand but the handle didn’t move, and they later saw the the bottom of the safe was missing anyway.

[@scooter29]

This guy is a legend. Love listening to his stories.

[@angelp.5224]

Much respect for this man

[@SusieQinNewOrleansLA504]

I can't pin point it but there is something about this guy that is very special. I could listen to him talk all day about his exploratoins. I have so much respect for him. Very few of us ever experience the thrill of finding something like the Titanic.

[@garyfallows1123]

I remember him in an interview saying how he wished he had claimed salvage rights on the Titanic after finding the wreck, that way he would have been able to stop the expeditions that have taken artifacts from the site, but out of respect for the fact it is a mass grave, he didn't, what an amazing life he's had

[@WR-NC-ASPL]

Under the salvage law, it is presumed that a sunken vessel has not been abandoned. If the vessel is not abandoned by its owner the salvor on recovering the property will not get the title of the property, however, he is entitled to compensation.

[@garyfallows1123]

@@WR-NC-ASPL I understand that, but surely when they decided to save themselves by getting in to the lifeboats, that must count as abandonment

[@WR-NC-ASPL]

@@garyfallows1123 .. the passengers are not the owners of the wreck. The shipping company White Star Line is the owner of the ship wreck

[@garyfallows1123]

@@WR-NC-ASPL well I know that, but on the maiden voyage, the ships designer, Thomas Andrews, and the OWNER and chairman of the White Star Line, J. Bruce Ismay were on board, Ismay chose to get into one of the life boats and save himself, that to me is abandonment of your property

[@wispa1a]

The insurance company owned it .

[@jsmith034086]

This man has been a hero of mine since I was a kid. Imagine finding AE, too!!!

[@TERRI4REAL]

In his 80's and still kicking hard. Much respect

[@JackieOlantern]

I love Bob! He’s so curious and intelligent and knows how to do it safely!

[@merbish7962]

He’s one of my favorite old people. Still so amazed by new discoveries and open to learning.

[@machine2747]

Dr. Ballard could talk about paint drying and I'd still listen to him hanging on every word. A true explorer.

[@trojanbiz]

What an amazing life this guy has had. Tip of the hat.

[@bosnianlady10]

Had to hide my dyslexia for a long time. Even my parents had no idea I couldn’t read . I still don’t read the way most people read. I took AP classes in high school while not being able to read . I just eventually memorize what words look like. Now I can finish a book faster then others. It took me a while to realize the long term advantages it gave me. I obviously can’t compare myself to this man, but today I am proud to be dyslexic.

[@danieljohnston1914]

I can remember when it happened! I believe it was like 1:00 am, and even Ballard was asleep on his ship. When his crew found the debris field, and then the Titanic itself, the excitement and joy among his crew was quite the moment for sure.

[@ajking14]

"Not all who wander are lost" - Bilbo Baggins

[@JRoundAbout]

Its insane to think about how he found the titanic by agreeing to find those missing subs. Im sure he would of found her eventually but wow, the way the world works sometimes.

[@davidwhite9629]

I was a graduate student in Woods Hole when he came back from his Titanic expedition. Been following his “wanderings” ever since. When will his museum open up? At URI? Would love to take my family to see that!

[@jamiepalmer5691]

I’ve been obsessed with Amelia for the last year. If he finds her i would be sooo stoked

[@CatalinaFOIA]

If he can find Amelia Erahart's plane... oh my! What an amazingly daunting task.

[@josephtafur]

Don't Underestimate him He discovered hydrothermal vents on the seafloor He found the Titanic He Found The Bismark He found the Lost fleet of Guadalcanal He found JFK PT 109 u-boat He can find Amelia Erahart plane

[@chiranjivsonowal2050]

Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea was my favourite book during my childhood.

[@fierceredd4781]

He's amazing and forever youthful. I love his personality and how much respect he has for the gravesite

[@alexistouss40]

As he said "it's a very sacred place". Not a tourism destination.

[@maryellenshock]

I agree!

[@khrisbmusic6091]

Innovative and brilliant people like him appreciated. Thank you for sharing your powerful mind with the world.

[@louchieamartinez6878]

I love him so much. Please live to a hundred! 😂❤😊

[@spaceage-qo8wz]

How old are you?🤔 i probably can "GET OUT" your life for his.i never tried it but I believe I can pull it of.

[@Red88Rex]

Awesome interview! I love how much enthusiasm he has for it - it rubs off onto you.

[@AS-zk6hz]

I’m glad they have brought up artifacts from titanic. Tremendous exhibit of them at the museum of science and industry in Chicago a few years ago. Thousands were able to see the exhibit and touch the huge slab of its hull. Why let it rot down there. As far as a gravesite all the bodies are gone long ago. Balard tried getting into the safe. And failed. Glad those expeditions brought up artifacts. And hope they continue to do so until the wreck turns to dust.

[@61Slughi]

When I hear his name, I imagine an image of him back in the 80's. I forgot about the part where 40 years have passed and he's in his 80's.

[@llightfoot2003]

Could listen to Mr. Ballard talk for hours about any topic, not just his titanic knowledge.

[@F-Man]

Never knew he was dyslexic! Not that it really matters in the grand scheme of things, but it just goes to show that it matters not *what* you are - it matters what you *do.*

[@ameliawilder28]

I hope the truth of Amelia will be solved in my lifetime. Next to the Titanic, Amelia just disappearing out of thin air despite her plane being found means that she has to be near. Even if fragments of her remains are discovered, I'd love the mystery to be finally solved. I have always been an aviation enthusiast and Amelia has always been an inspiration. If I wasn't pursuing film and television to be a scriptwriter/producer I'd be pursuing piloting. I still want to get my pilots license eventually when I can afford it.

[@alexanderfreeman3406]

Amelia Earhart’s plane has never been found. Where on Earth did you hear that? The most likely explanation is also incredibly mundane - Earhart and her navigator ran out of fuel after they failed to find the island they intended to land on. They drowned in the ocean.

[@ameliawilder28]

@@alexanderfreeman3406 it was a while ago, but I could have misread? Maybe pieces of her plane were found? Apologies about that I've I made an error.

[@MrPink-zw4ho]

Searching for a body lost in the Pacific ocean over 7 decades ago. 😂🤣🤣

[@jasonwroyal]

@@ameliawilder28ere was never any real evidence that Earhart would have made it to Nikumaroro Island. It is over 350 NMs from Howland, The Itascha had such good radio contact with Earhart they expected to run up on deck and see her. For her to somehow thread a needle and find Nikumaroro, and land gear down( impossible in this situation), all while out of gas just isn’t a serious theory. On the Island’s shore is a shipwreck and there were colonies and people stationed there during the 30-40’s that would explain any period artifacts found( ie pieces of the plane). Those artifacts have been used to fundraise and support searchers from a group that is essentially a fraud. For Ballard’s 2019 search the Navy had apparently provided funding to map around Howland. So instead of using his time to look in the the likely search area, essentially the same as he did for his Titanic search, he wasted the time going all the way down to Nikumaroro. He then left the ship and left them to conduct the survey around Howland. It is a shame that such a brilliant explorer was taken in by a fraud theory and wasted the entire 2019 search. If he would have simply looked around Howland (specifically searching based off the coast guard report of clouds 40nm nw of Howland the day she was missing) the modern equipment available he would have likely found the plane. If that is what he is up to with the ‘stay tuned’ comment I have zero doubt he will find it, and I look forward to that.

[@Bea56601]

Fragments of her remains, her belongings, as well as a piece of the plane were found on nikumaroro. They also have many radio transmissions after the landing of her attempt at communicating where they were. There have been people out to the island many times to gather evidence, unfortunately as time goes on it’s going to be more and more difficult to find anything conclusive.

[@sandysutube63]

He is such an awesome explorer !♥️🌊🧭🗺️

[@zapfanzapfan]

Hope to hear more about ancient Greek vessels in the Black Sea. Maybe the golden fleece is down there.

[@haffrods7055]

I hope he finds the Electra remains. I'd also love to see him look for flight 19

[@deedsyosu071]

Ohhhh Bob please find Amelia, it would be the cherry on top of an unprecedented career.

[@DSR32014]

Robert Ballard sir you are a gem. Soooo brave you are! So much reverence sir 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ajbianchi85]

Love this guy and would also love to explore the seas. Seems like such an interesting life

[@JOHNSMITH-dc6lr]

He's Indiana jones

[@rocket8351]

I think the Gardener island theory for Amelia makes a lot of sense.

[@lisasmith7066]

This gentleman is absolutely Remarkable!

[@BeazleyStudios]

Would love to spend a day just following him around and learning from him. I didn't know he was dyslexic. I went to a lecture of his in 1998 and afterwards got his autograph on the inside cover of his Exploring the Titanic book.

[@ericlakota1847]

My friend Has dyslexia and he sees the world threw whole differnt view and all though he has challenges he also comes up with great ideas takes all types to make the world go around my friend Tom always comes up great idear being threw diff view

[@elizaleroux9173]

He said it.. Titanic should be left alone.. It's not a tourist attraction.

[@maryellenshock]

Amen!

[@olgatrilogymartin3143]

Incredible man 🎉

[@KeithKman]

If anyone can find Earhart it’s him. I hope he finds the Electra. Just imagine the international headlines if he finds her plane!

[@robertwomack6015]

Truly amazing. He has seen and done much..thank you sir

[@theworldisavampire3346]

I truly hope that he finds Amelia's craft & remains

[@Hof79905]

Bobby Ballard is the man.

[@northernlight696]

What an interesting life - well done Mr. Ballard.

[@RavenGent]

The Titanic and Amelia Earhart's plane is one of my favorite mysteries and known events of History. Next to Titanic Amelia Earhart's plane disappearing has always remained in my mind of that she probably crashed into the ocean and drowned. But of course there's all those other theories but I still believe her plane is still there in the Pacific and I hope Robert can find her plane and put the last chapter of the famed aviator's last flight.

[@twright4263]

The problem with finding Earhart is the lack of research. There are two 67° (magnetic and true course) that they famous 157-337 could be based on. 67° true course is 11° north of Howland and 67° magnetic is 1.5° (80 miles) north of Howland, which 67° is the famous 157-337 based on?

[@speedyd8150]

Wasn't she killed by some random Asian tribe?

[@twright4263]

@@speedyd8150 the search for Earhart is a scam. People and groups are profiting from a mystery that is very difficult to solve. They believe that if they can’t be proven wrong then they must be right. These groups are going to milk it for as long as they can and if the mystery is solved and they are WRONG, they will disappear with all the money and say it’s not my problem. If what you say is true, that means they landed somewhere and there are witnesses with facts and physical evidence. Someone started the story. Where are the facts and evidence?

[@ReviewsChannel-e4r]

@@speedyd8150 Are you suggesting cannibalism? Something of her will turn up.

[@juanjoviciana6152]

Bob Ballard a Great Man

[@streetroyalty1]

Childhood hero right there!

[@zane9510]

Such a smart man

[@amyahlquist3436]

It’s too bad no one could find MH370.

[@111danish111]

Someone will find it one day decades from now perhaps not even in our lifetime but it will be found.

[@SethHollingshead]

He looks awesome to be 80s.

[@hawkdsl]

"Stay Tuned".. That is provocative. He wouldn't say that if he didn't have a good idea of where Amelia Earhart's plane is. One of the most tantalizing mysteries may finally be solved. Exciting!

[@bradleywalker4575]

He will help find Amelia, or find her. We will see. There is a bunch of people searching.

[@Maverick25ish]

I hope he does find Amelia earharts plane, that will be big news like finding DB Cooper or how it must of been finding Titanic in 1985

[@ksaboda]

I loved the Disney 20,000 leagues under the sea. I wore that tape out as a kid. I totally understand how it can inspire people.

[@gharewaweddings]

“Not all who wander are lost”

[@Vingul]

“All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.”

[@ssap3717]

May be he can find the Malaysian Airplane.

[@ashleycrislip]

He's amazing. We need him to look for MH370.

[@susiepittman601]

This is a great man.

[@ryanlemon4372]

i love you so much bob ballard thanks for finding the titanic its my favorite ship of all time

[@k.p.5736]

I realize this man forgot more about an exploration of the ship than I’d ever know ;however how hard could it have been . They did have a last position on the ship when it went down .

[@johnthemachine]

0:49 that's the Olympic, Titanic's near identical sister.

[@debsam77]

WOW, how ironic and yes the implosion of the Titan sent me here!

[@PeterSinclair-Osenton]

Mr Ballard has my respect he is Mr Titanic he discovered her his thoughts to leave her alone are one I fully agree with.

[@k617n9]

1:12 look how dark it is outdere ... so scary man

[@laddersman]

Bob The Master .

[@xxyoloproxx7230]

This guy is a legend

[@krugerfuchs]

Yay hes one of us

[@SethHollingshead]

Would love to see him find ameila earhart. Always facinated by the story. The whole "Bermuda triangle" never bought that.

[@jkorshak]

The Titanic is closer to the Bermuda Triangle than the Howland Island area of the Pacific Ocean where it's believed Earhart was lost.

[@chrisjeffries2322]

What a great human he is.

[@moemanncann895]

Should be off limits like the Edmond Fitzgerald, it’s a gravesite

[@liftnd844]

If someone is going to find Earhart plane this is the guy. I hope he closes this case

[@DougGrinbergs]

6:36 Earhart search

[@jason60chev]

The plane is off of Gardner Island

[@omoruyifoster7986]

I see what people don't see .ballad rebert used his gift wisely.not all those who wander are lost

[@ripflip1112]

This video posted b4!! KZbin video “ 1 minute ago… after 87 years, Amelia Earhart’s plane location finally found “….

[@TheFarmerfitz]

I hope he is in on finding Amelia Earharts plane... he has his work cut out for him. At least with Titanic. Everyone knew the appointment location, and it's a huge boat. A Lockheed Electra? Not so easy. Especially if nobody really knows where it's approximate location. Or if it's in one piece or a million.

[@TheFarmerfitz]

Adding: as always, Like James Cameron pointed out about the Titan. You go to the last known position and look down. Then broaden your search. With Earhart, that's not so easy either. But hopefully somebody can find it.

[@111danish111]

6:23 human remains from 200bc ?! How and where ?!

[@MichaelGreen-vn7dr]

Bob is a awesome guy! Too band he didnt find INDY, nor Amelia. TIGARD took him on a joy ride of BS! She's near Howland island, Most likely just NE east of the island itself, or due west of it. Sadly Petrel is out of action

[@SethHollingshead]

How in the hell did they find human remains from 200bc???? And non from titanic?

[@dariankessler3323]

Bro this is me 100%, dyslexic as hell hard to read sometimes

[@triprasetyoyoginugroho7159]

I hope Mr.Bob Ballard find MH370🙏

[@rickcimino743]

read the book........even more revealing than this video.

[@bradleywalker4575]

Jim Cameron? Wtf...its James Cameron 😂. And even Robert said "Jim"...am i missing something here?

[@MajaOlausson]

Thats his nickname 😊

[@bradleywalker4575]

@@MajaOlausson Hey... 😂...🤷‍♂️

[@CompanyBusinessCards]

Did he misspoke about finding human remains from 200BC ?

[@grimbles39]

Emilia Airheart

[@robertkees6048]

Elvira Airhead.

[@badmanarnie2456]

You must have a very sad and lonely life.....

[@Vingul]

@@badmanarnie2456 what a sad thing to say.

[@AUSSIEKULUBOXA]

He is the real legend of the Titanic, a gentleman, intelligent and extremely respectful. He deserves sooo much more credit than that womanising arrogant fool James Cameron. My friend worked on Cameron's superyacht and told me that he used to try and fondle all of the female young staff including the Philipino laundry staff some as young as 16. She finally quit when she turned 30 and worked on a different yacht. Cameron needs to be held accountable for what he has done.

[@jkorshak]

Take out a full page ad in variety or the NZ Herald and go public with your story.

[@bradleywalker4575]

Malaysia needs him to help locate MH370...

[@deimantassidorenko3386]

Jis. Rado. Po. Keturių. Kilo. Gyliu. Bobas. Balardas

[@dylancloud97]

Uses Olympic footage😂 and movie footage not titanic

[@AlonsoRules]

He needs to find MH370

[@ndirangugichuki6260]

If possible, Malaysia should ask him to find MH370.

[@thomaspick4123]

Ballard comes off as a nice man, but…. Ballard is not a Christian.

[@jkorshak]

Nice AND rational, then.

[@user-agreement-disengaged]

Inspirational so. Go him at look just ya would but life my control dyslexia my let I've think to and.(backwards read)

[@martinkuca7420]

What a guy.

[@nonenone4880]

I would love to hear the original audio. I thought he remarked, I see the letters MP.

[@deeznutz6847]

Rip

[@sherylgrinevicius-kerrigan8786]

Ummmm he’s not dead