London, May 29 (IANS): A 33-foot, hand-drawn plan of the Titanic reportedly used in the inquiry into the sinking of the massive ship in 1912 has sold for 220,000 pounds.

The cross-section was bought by a private collector, The Sun reported.

The plan - prepared by White Star Line architects - was estimated to fetch between 100,000 and 150,000 pounds.

The plan was commissioned by the British Board of Trade to assist in the 36-day inquiry, held after the disaster.

It was used by witnesses and experts to establish the cause of the tragedy, and even contains original chalk marks describing what happened.

The drawing was reportedly hung in the official hearing room so that witnesses could refer to it constantly.

After the inquiry concluded that the disaster was brought about by the ship's "excessive speed", the plan was returned to White Star.

The auctioneer said it had not been put on public display ever.

Andrew Aldridge, of Henry Aldridge & Son, said: "The plan is one of the most important pieces of Titanic memorabilia ever sold and this price reflects it."