Titanic II
We can’t believe we’re even publishing this next sentence, but here you go.
Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer plans to put a chunk of his fortune toward re-creating the Titanic — including the below-waterline steerage cabins for hundreds of passengers — with a maiden voyage from England to New York City planned for 2016.
Really.
Here are five things you might find interesting to know about the man behind Titanic II:
• Palmer made his fortune in iron ore, coal and nickel mining. Forbes magazine says he’s worth $895 million as of 2013.
• The Titanic replica isn’t Palmer’s only one. He also created a simulation of Jurassic Park that he calls Palmersaurus. Plans are for more than 160 animatronic dinosaurs, including a 65-foot-long T-Rex.
• The New South Wales branch of the National Trust of Australia has named Palmer a National Living Treasure.
• Palmer owned the Gold Coast United football club in Australia until the governing FFA revoked his A-League license as part of a controversy about unruly fans and grandstand seating being closed to the public.
• He’s on Twitter. You can follow the progress of Titanic II and his other exploits @clivefpalmer, or visit the official_ Titanic II_ website, www.bluestarline.com.au.
