The idea that the Titanic was sunk by something other than an iceberg is indeed a topic of various conspiracy theories. Some suggest that it was an explosion, often tied to theories about insurance fraud, war-related plots, or other clandestine activities.
However, the consensus among historians, researchers, and marine archaeologists, backed by extensive evidence including eyewitness testimonies and physical remnants of the ship itself, is that the RMS Titanic did indeed hit an iceberg. This caused the ship's hull plates to buckle inwards along her starboard side and opened five of her sixteen watertight compartments to the sea. Over the course of two hours and forty minutes, the ship gradually filled with water and sank.
The "explosion theory" might stem from several sources. First, some survivors reported hearing loud noises, which they described as sounding like explosions. These noises were likely the sounds of the ship's structure failing as it sank, but in the confusion and fear of the moment, it's understandable that some people might have interpreted them as explosions.
Second, in 2017, a documentary presented a theory that a fire in one of Titanic's coal bunkers may have significantly weakened a portion of the ship's hull, contributing to the disaster. While this theory does suggest that there was more at play than just the iceberg, it doesn't propose that an explosion sank the ship.
Lastly, conspiracy theories often flourish around significant and impactful events. The sinking of the Titanic was a major event that had a profound impact on people all over the world. It's natural for people to look for explanations that go beyond the official accounts, especially when those accounts involve such a tragic loss of life.
Nonetheless, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that the Titanic hit an iceberg and that this collision was the primary cause of the subsequent sinking. Other factors, such as the ship's design, the lack of adequate lifeboats, and the response of the crew and passengers, also played significant roles in the disaster.
Why are there conspiracy theories saying that it was an explosion that rocked the Titanic, and not an iceberg?
