The RMS Titanic was a British passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912, during its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City.
Titanic Facts
The Titanic was the largest ship afloat at the time of its launch and was considered an engineering marvel. It measured about 882.5 feet (269 meters) in length and weighed approximately 46,328 tons.
The ship had a maximum speed of 23 knots (26.5 mph) and was considered a luxurious means of transatlantic travel. The ship had a total of nine decks, with the uppermost deck being reserved exclusively for first-class passengers.
The Titanic’s maiden voyage was highly anticipated, and many wealthy and prominent individuals were on board. Some notable passengers included John Jacob Astor IV, Benjamin Guggenheim, and Molly Brown.
Disaster Strikes
The ship struck an iceberg at around 11:40 p.m. on April 14, 1912, and sank in less than three hours. The exact number of casualties remains uncertain, but it is estimated that over 1,500 people lost their lives in the tragedy.
The Titanic’s final distress signal, sent via wireless telegraphy, was received by the nearby RMS Carpathia. The Carpathia responded and arrived at the scene of the sinking, rescuing 705 survivors.
The Titanic had a total of 20 lifeboats, which were not enough to accommodate all the passengers and crew onboard. This shortage contributed to the high number of casualties.
Despite the sinking, the Titanic was equipped with advanced features for its time, such as an electrical lighting system, wireless telegraphy for communication, and separate swimming pools for first-class and second-class passengers.
The shipwreck of the Titanic was discovered by a team led by Dr. Robert Ballard on September 1, 1985, after years of searching. The wreckage is located at a depth of about 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) on the ocean floor.
The Titanic’s bow and stern sections separated upon sinking, and they now rest about 1,970 feet (600 meters) apart from each other on the seabed.
The first artifact from the Titanic to be recovered was a bronze cherub statue known as the “Angel of the Titanic.” It was retrieved in 1987. Numerous artifacts have been recovered from the Titanic wreckage, including personal belongings, ship fittings, and parts of the ship’s structure. These items offer insight into the daily lives of passengers and crew.
Titanic in Popular Culture: Captivating the Imagination
The Titanic wreck site is protected by international agreements and is recognized as a maritime memorial. It is also subject to ongoing exploration and research to learn more about the ship and its passengers.
The story of the Titanic has captured the public’s imagination, leading to numerous books, documentaries, and movies, including the 1997 film “Titanic” directed by James Cameron, which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Titanic’s grand staircase, an iconic feature of the ship, was recreated in precise detail for the film.
These facts offer a glimpse into the fascinating history and enduring legacy of the Titanic.