Events leading to the loss of the Titanic

The ship’s route Captain Edward Smith was determined to win the Blue Riband on his last ever voyage. This award was given to any captain who broke the record for getting across the Atlantic Ocean in the quickest time. The quickest route was the most dangerous … going very close to icebergs. Smith ignored seven warnings about icebergs on the route before he set sail.

Events leading to the loss of the Titanic Calm seas The ocean was very still and calm on the Titanic’s voyage. This was dangerous because it left icebergs bobbing gently and silently … they were less likely to spot quickly

Events leading to the loss of the Titanic Binoculars None of the look outs were given binoculars … they were told that nothing could stop Titanic! Ship direction If the Titanic had hit the iceberg head on the nose would have crumpled but the ship wouldn’t have sunk. Instead the captain swerved at the last moment and scraped the edge against the ice.

Events leading to the loss of the Titanic Nature of impact The rivets which held the side plates of the Titanic were weak. The ice tore away a large hole in the side and the basement flooded.

Events leading to the loss of the Titanic SOS signal When the Titanic sent out a distress signal for help the nearest ship was The California. Sadly, the ship officer was off duty asleep and the radio was unmanned!

Events leading to the loss of the Titanic Flares When the Titanic sent up distress flares calling for help the holidaymakers on board The California ship just applauded. They thought they were fireworks!

Events leading to the loss of the Titanic Evacuation The crew had been given no training in how to evacuate the Titanic. 3 rd class passengers were locked below decks to let the rich off first. In their panic only 12 of the 65 seats in each lifeboat were filled!!!