Ep 12. Titanic's Lost Sister

In season 24, episode 12 of NOVA, entitled "Titanic's Lost Sister," viewers are taken on a journey to learn about the RMS Britannic, a sister ship of the Titanic that also met a tragic fate.

The episode explores the history of the Britannic, which was originally built to be a luxury ocean liner, but was converted into a hospital ship during World War I due to its size and capabilities. The Britannic was commissioned by the White Star Line, the same company that owned the Titanic, and was designed by the same team of engineers.

The episode features interviews with experts in the field, including maritime historians and engineers, and includes footage of the Britannic's wreckage and artifacts that have been recovered from the ship.

Viewers learn about the events that led to the Britannic's sinking in 1916, which was caused by a mine that exploded on the ship's hull. Despite being equipped with safety features that the Titanic lacked, including collapsible lifeboats and water-tight compartments, the Britannic still sank, resulting in the deaths of 30 people.

The episode also explores the investigations and recovery efforts that have taken place in the years since the Britannic sank, including the use of cutting-edge technology to create 3D maps of the wreckage site and analyze the ship's structural integrity.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the world of maritime history and the engineering feats that were accomplished during the early 20th century. The tragedy of the Britannic serves as a reminder of the dangers of the sea and the importance of safety measures in the design and construction of ships.

Overall, "Titanic's Lost Sister" is a compelling episode of NOVA that examines a lesser-known piece of history that is both fascinating and tragic. The production values and informative interviews make for an engaging viewing experience for anyone interested in the history of ocean liners and the technology that drives them.