What is that gash in Britannics port-side bow?
The huge gash in Britannic’s port-side bow is the most visible sign of damage on the wreck, although it wasn’t actually the hold caused by the mine/torpedo. One of the most interesting things about the hole is that the plates around its edge are bent outwards, suggesting an explosion from within. This lends some credence to the idea that the ship was carrying secret munitions, which exploded on impact with the mine/torpedo. Dr. Robert D. Ballard, who did an extensive survey of the wreck during an expedition, suggests that the hole was simply caused by stress on that part of the hull during the sinking. At worst, he says that it might have been caused by exploding coal dust.