INTERVIEW

Talking with Robert Ballard

Robert Ballard has explored many parts of the ocean. In this interview, he talks about his work.

How did you get interested in ocean exploration?

I always loved the book Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne. It was all I could think about. I wanted to see what was deep in the ocean!

How did you become an explorer?

My parents wanted me to have a good education. I went to college and studied the ocean. Later, I joined the navy.

There have been many shipwrecks. What is special about Titanic?

Titanic’s story interests people. The ship was full of people when it sank. Many were scared. Many were brave. Many were also very famous. People want to hear their stories. They want to know how we study the shipwreck.

Why is it a bad idea to take items from the wreck?

The objects are part of history. Seeing them in place tells a lot. For example, we can learn how the ship sank. That information is lost if you take things away from the wreck.

What was it like to find Titanic? How did you feel?

Finding Titanic was a dream of mine. So discovering it made me happy.