I thought you may like to share a few of the questions asked at our recent lecture series onboard the Independence of the Seas. (Apart from the chap who asked where the bus tour leaves for Barcelona).
Would the Titanic have sunk if the impact had been head on?
Good question, I don’t think so.
The Olympic (her sister ship) suffered a head on collision with a naval ship. Olympic although damaged, stayed afloat and offloaded all her passengers. The incident occurred in Southampton water so the danger was not as severe as it was easy to offload her passengers on the Isle of Wight.
Titanic’s collision resulted in flooding her water tight compartments and the weight dragged her down from the front. The damage was along her sides.
Why wasn’t Titanic full when she sailed?
Titanic sailed towards the end of a six week coal strike. Coal had to be moved from other ships to Titanic for her maiden journey. Another result of the coal strike is that it would have caused delays in connections to join the ship. It is rumoured that Titanic’s sister ship Olympic sailed from New York with extra coal stored in empty passenger cabins – I doubt that happened, but she may certainly have had some extra coal loaded.
Did the Titanic’s open windows add to the disaster?
I don’t think so. Titanic was in the Atlantic in April, it was a very cold night. The open windows were though a factor in the loss of Titanic’s younger sister Britannic.
Would the main safe be loaded with jewels?
This was a prestige maiden voyage. First class ladies would be wearing their jewellery. When removed the jewellery was under the care of the maid. You may remember from ‘Upstairs downstairs’ the maid returns with the family jewellery box.
These are just a few of the questions asked, if you would also like to ask something drop me a line and I’ll do my best to help.
Contributor: Morag Irving BA (OPEN)., Dip.Lit. e-mail: moragirvinguk@aol.com Tel:01733 345581
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