The sinking of the Titanic remains one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history, capturing the imagination and intrigue of people worldwide. This is especially true after James Cameron's now iconic 1997 filem of the same name that reignited fascination with the tragic event that left a huge mark on the 20th century.
While much is known about this tragic event, some lesser-known facts continue to surprise and fascinate.
Here are three things you might have yet to learn about the Titanic sinking.
The Near Miss with Another Ship
Just moments after departing from Southampton on April 10, 1912, the Titanic narrowly averted a collision with the SS City of New York. Imagine what would have happened had the two ships collided, Titanic would have stayed in port for repairs and missed that fateful night when it collided with an iceberg.
This incident, known as a 'near miss,' occurred when the suction created by the massive Titanic caused the moored SS City of New York to break free from its moorings.
The two ships drifted perilously close to each other, but thanks to the timely intervention of tugboats, the SS City of New York was pulled away, allowing the Titanic to continue its journey. This near disaster was an eerie prelude to the tragedy unfolding just days later, but it also serves as a reminder of the potential cancellation of the Titanic's maiden voyage, averted by mere moments.
The Role of the Californian
The SS Californian, a nearby ship, played a controversial role in the events surrounding the Titanic's sinking. On the night of April 14, 1912, the Californian was near the Titanic but had stopped due to ice in the water.
The ship's radio operator, Cyril Evans, attempted to warn the Titanic about the ice. Still, his message was cut short by the Titanic's radio operator, Jack Phillips, who brusquely replied that he was busy. This seems unthinkable today but if you were sailing on a ship that was deemed 'unsinkable', you probably would have brushed aside that warning too.
Later that night, the Californian's crew spotted distress rockets fired by the Titanic. However, the ship's captain, Stanley Lord, did not respond effectively, believing the signals to be non-emergency flares. The Californian's failure to act has been a contention and debate, with many believing that a quicker response could have saved more lives. This controversy adds a layer of mystery to the Titanic's story, leaving us with questions about what could have been if the Californian had acted differently.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown's Heroic Efforts
Margaret Brown, famously known as the 'Unsinkable Molly Brown,' is often remembered for her tenacity and social prominence. However, her actions during the Titanic disaster truly cemented her legacy. After the ship struck the iceberg, Brown helped load others into lifeboats, eventually finding herself in Lifeboat No. 6. Despite being initially ignored by the lifeboat's crew, she took charge and encouraged them to return to the wreckage to look for survivors.
The crew initially resisted this move, but Brown's persistence and courage prevailed. Brown also used her language proficiency to assist survivors from different backgrounds. This is amazing considering the times in which she lived and it shows the power of her tenancity.
Her advocacy did not end when the RMS Carpathia rescued her; she organized a survivor's committee to secure necessities and provide support to those who had lost everything. Brown's relentless spirit and compassion significantly impacted us during and after the disaster, inspiring us with her courage and selflessness.
Conclusion
The Titanic's sinking story is filled with numerous layers of human drama, missed opportunities, and acts of heroism. The near collision with the SS City of New York, the controversial inaction of the SS Californian, and the heroic efforts of Margaret "Molly" Brown are just a few of the lesser-known aspects that add depth to the narrative of this maritime tragedy. These elements remind us that history is often more complex than the well-known tales, filled with intricate details that shed light on the multifaceted nature of human experience.