The French explorer who perished on the Titan submersible's journey to the Titanic spent decades working with a controversial company which recovered thousands of relics from the shipwreck.

Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, who earned the nickname 'Mr Titanic' as a pre-eminent expert on the wreck, led several expeditions for RMS Titanic Inc, which owns the sole salvage rights.

The company says it is 'dedicated to preserving the legacy of the ship, wreck site and all her passengers', but its work has proved controversial. Critics have accused it of attempting to 'profiteer' from the by 'pilfering and pillaging' a ship that was involved a tragedy that claimed around 1,500 lives. (Daily Mail)