In a stunning underwater expedition, divers have successfully retrieved artifacts from the wreck of the Britannic, the Titanic's illustrious sister ship, which tragically sank over a century ago after hitting a mine in the Aegean Sea during World War I.

The Greek Culture Ministry announced this monumental achievement on Monday, revealing that an 11-member diving team spent a week in May meticulously recovering significant pieces from the ocean floor, including the ship's iconic bell and a port-side navigation light. A captivating video shared on social media captures the divers exploring the wreckage and extracting these historical treasures.

Originally launched in 1914 as a luxury cruise liner by the White Star Line, the Britannic was repurposed as a hospital ship during the turbulent years of World War I. On November 21, 1916, while en route to the island of Lemnos, it struck a mine and sank off Kea’s coast, northeast of Athens. In a horrific twist, the Britannic sank in under an hour, claiming the lives of 30 souls among the more than 1,060 passengers aboard due to lifeboats being struck by the ship's still-turning propellers.

Lying nearly 400 feet beneath the waves, the wreck of the Britannic is only accessible to highly skilled technical divers. The recent recovery operation utilized advanced closed-circuit rebreather equipment and was organized by British historian Simon Mills, founder of the Britannic Foundation. The Greek Culture Ministry highlighted the challenging underwater conditions, with strong currents and limited visibility presenting obstacles for the dive team.

Among the remarkable artifacts recovered were items that showcase the ship’s dual identity: both as a luxurious liner and a vital hospital vessel. These include a majestic lookout bell, a navigation lamp, elegant first-class silver-plated trays, ornate ceramic tiles from a Turkish bath, a pair of passenger binoculars, and a porcelain sink from second-class cabins.

Photos released by the ministry showcase these historical artifacts, including the bell and binoculars, sparking excitement among history lovers and maritime enthusiasts alike.

Currently, the artifacts are undergoing conservation treatments in Athens and are set to become a highlight in the upcoming Museum of Underwater Antiquities at the port of Piraeus. This museum will feature a dedicated section for World War I, with the Britannic artifacts as its crown jewel, enticing visitors to delve deeper into this poignant chapter of maritime history.