Another Titanic Expedition Possible In 2010

STEVE SZKOTAK

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — The company that has exclusive rights to salvage the Titanic wants to make another expedition to the world's most famous shipwreck in 2010.

RMS Titanic Inc.'s expedition would be the first by the salvor since 2004, though two other expeditions have been to the site since then, including one by "Titanic" director James Cameron. The company went before a judge on Monday to seek a salvage award for its past expeditions, and to inform the court of its plans.

"Obviously we have an interest in going back to shipwreck for a number of reasons but we want to do it with the blessing of the court," Christopher Davino, president and CEO of RMS Titanic, told The Associated Press after the first of four days of hearings in federal court.

"It's very early in our thinking regarding a strategy for future expeditions," he said, declining to discuss a future expedition before informing the judge.

In court filings, the company has said it is making plans to return to the wreck site next year.