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Summary
As you can tell by the title, this page is concerned with the 'Titanic', probably the most famous ocean liner of all. There are some basic statistics and other information, plus more pictures. There are also one or two links to other related sites further down the page.
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RMS Titanic
Some basic statistics about the 'Titanic' |
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The Story
'Titanic' was launched on 31st May 1911 and officially handed over to the White Star Line on April 2nd 1912. April 10th, the same year, saw her sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York via Cherbourg and Queenstown under the command of Captain E.J. Smith. She carried 1,316 passengers. On April 14th 1912 at 11:40pm, 'Titanic' struck an iceberg with a glancing blow which opened up a 300ft gash spanning five watertight bulkheads. Her design called for her to float with any four flooded. Though there were 2,208 people aboard, lifeboats were available for only 1,178, which met the Board of Trade requirements of the time. There were, however, over 3,000 lifejackets and 48 lifebuoys, but the water was freezingly cold. April 15th, 12:05am saw the lifeboats being swung out. The 'CQD' signal was sent out and at 12:45am, Radio Officer Phillips changed the signal to 'SOS', the new distress signal. It was the first time it had been used. Cunard's 'Carpathia' signalled she was coming at full speed, butonly eight miles away the lights of a still unidentified ship could be seen by 'Titanic'. This ship rendered no assistance and sailed on. (At the time Leyland's 'Californian' under Captain S. Lord was accused, but other sources name a sealer, 'Samson'). At 1:10am 'Titanic' began settling by the head and at 1:27am, the engine rooms flooded and all machine power failed. At 1:50am the last lifeboat pulled away, many of them having left only partly filled because so many thought the ship to be unsinkable. When the last boat left there remained on board over 1,500 people, including 688 of her 900 crew. As she upended and slid under bow first the Reverend Thomas Byles led many in hymns and prayer. 2:15am, when submerged up to the second funnel, all the lights went out. At 2:20am, 'Titanic' disappeared. 1,503 died and only 705 survived.
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Titanic Historical Society
Encyclopedia Titanica
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RMS Titanic
An artists' impression of the liner. |
The Grand Staircase
'Titanic' was the ultimate in style and luxury. This is the first class Grand Staircase. |
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