RMS Titanic

The RMS Titanic

Welcome to the dedicated page for the RMS Titanic, one of the most famous ships in maritime history. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the Titanic, from its construction and design to its tragic maiden voyage and legacy.

Overview

Name: RMS Titanic
Type: Ocean Liner
Year Built: 1912
Builder: Harland and Wolff, Belfast
Owner: White Star Line
Specifications: 46,328 GT, 882 ft length, 92 ft beam, 175 ft height, 9 decks
Capacity: 2,435 passengers, 892 crew
Speed: 21 knots (maximum)

Construction and Design

The RMS Titanic was constructed at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was one of three Olympic-class ocean liners built for the White Star Line, designed to compete with the rival Cunard Line’s Lusitania and Mauretania in the transatlantic passenger market.

Key Features:

Hull Design: The Titanic’s hull was divided into 16 watertight compartments, equipped with remotely activated watertight doors. It was believed that the ship could remain afloat with up to four compartments breached.
Luxurious Interiors: The Titanic was renowned for its opulent interiors, including a grand staircase, first-class dining saloon, smoking room, and a swimming pool. The ship offered unparalleled luxury for first-class passengers, with lavish cabins and suites.
Advanced Technology: The ship featured the latest advancements in maritime technology, including a powerful Marconi wireless telegraph system for communication.

Maiden Voyage

The Titanic set sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, USA, on April 10, 1912. The ship made stops in Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland, before heading across the Atlantic.

Key Dates:

Departure from Southampton: April 10, 1912
Stops: Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown, Ireland
Disaster Strikes: April 14, 1912, at 11:40 PM (ship’s time)
Sinking: April 15, 1912, at 2:20 AM

The Tragic Sinking

On the night of April 14, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Despite efforts to avoid the collision, the iceberg caused fatal damage to the ship’s hull, breaching five of the watertight compartments. The “unsinkable” ship began to sink.

Key Facts:

Impact: The iceberg collision caused a series of ruptures along the hull, allowing water to flood the compartments.
Evacuation: The ship carried only enough lifeboats for about half of the passengers and crew, in compliance with outdated maritime safety regulations. Many lifeboats were launched partially filled due to panic and confusion.
Loss of Life: Out of approximately 2,224 passengers and crew, more than 1,500 perished in the disaster. The majority of victims were from the third-class and crew.

Aftermath and Legacy

The sinking of the RMS Titanic had a profound impact on maritime safety regulations and led to the establishment of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in 1914. This disaster highlighted the need for sufficient lifeboats, improved ship design, and better emergency procedures.

Key Points:

Investigations: Both British and American inquiries were conducted, leading to changes in maritime laws and practices.
Cultural Impact: The Titanic’s story has been immortalized in countless books, films, and documentaries. The 1997 film “Titanic,” directed by James Cameron, is one of the most famous adaptations.
Wreck Discovery: The wreck of the Titanic was discovered in 1985 by a team led by Dr. Robert Ballard. The discovery provided new insights into the sinking and the ship’s final moments.

Titanic Today

The legacy of the Titanic continues to captivate people worldwide. Numerous museums and exhibitions showcase artifacts recovered from the wreck, and ongoing research efforts aim to preserve and study the site.

Key Sites:

Titanic Belfast: An interactive museum located at the shipyard where the Titanic was built.
The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: A museum featuring numerous artifacts and interactive exhibits.
RMS Titanic, Inc.: The company responsible for recovering and preserving Titanic artifacts.