The RMS Titanic remains one of the most studied maritime disasters in history, blending engineering ambition with tragic human error. Below you will find key historical facts, timelines, and survivor data presented in a clear, scannable format.
Every fact in this article is drawn from official inquiries and widely verified historical records, ensuring accuracy for researchers, educators, and curious readers.
| Aspect | Detail | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ship Name | RMS Titanic | Launched 31 May 1911 | Harland & Wolff records |
| Route | Southampton to New York City | 10 April 1912 departure | White Star Line manifest |
| Passengers & Crew | 2,224 on board | 1912 | Board of Trade report |
| Fatalities | 1,517 died | 15 April 1912 sinking | U.S. Senate inquiry |
| Lifeboats | 20 total capacity about 1,178 | Compliant with 1894 regulations | Liner specifications |
Design And Construction Facts
Engineering Ambition At The Time
Titanic was designed as the largest and most luxurious liner of its era, showcasing advanced steel hull construction and 15 watertight compartments. The ship measured 882 feet 9 inches in length and displaced over 52,000 gross tons.
Its state rooms reflected Edwardian opulence, featuring marble staircases, a grand dining saloon, and facilities intended to rival a floating hotel. The design prioritized comfort and prestige, influencing public expectations of ocean travel.
Maiden Voyage Timeline
Key Dates And Events
From departure to disaster, the maiden voyage followed a strict schedule that was closely monitored by both passengers and company officials. Any deviation in routing or speed could have altered the outcome.
| Event | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departure Southampton | 10 April 1912 | Southampton, England | Delayed by rescue of passenger's pet dog |
| Cherbourg Stop | 10 April 1912 | Cherbourg, France | Boarded additional passengers |
| Queenstown Stop | 11 April 1912 | Cobh, Ireland | Final European port of call |
| Iceberg Warning | 14 April 1912 | North Atlantic | Multiple warnings received, not all acted upon |
| Collision And Sinking | 1415 April 1912 | 41.73°N, 49.95°W | Struck iceberg at 11:40 PM, sank 2 hours 40 minutes later |
| Rescue Arrival | 15 April 1912 | Carpathia location | Arrived approximately 1 hour 30 minutes after sinking |
Passenger And Crew Experience
Class Differences During The Disaster
Survival rates varied dramatically by class due to lifeboat access, crew instructions, and physical barriers. First class passengers had the shortest distance to boat deck, while third class passengers faced locked gates and confusing pathways below decks.
Women and children were generally given priority, but the "women and children first" policy was implemented unevenly across classes. This produced starkly different outcomes among passengers who were traveling under similar circumstances.
Safety Regulation Context
Outdated Rules And Their Impact
Lifeboat requirements under British regulations in 1912 were based on ship tonnage thresholds rather than passenger capacity, allowing Titanic to carry enough lifeboats for only about half of those on board. These rules had not been updated to reflect larger liners and improved safety technology.
As a direct result of the disaster, international agreements mandated sufficient lifeboats for all persons on board, improved wireless communication procedures, and around the clock radio monitoring on passenger vessels.
Key Takeaways
- The Titanic was the largest passenger ship of its time and a symbol of technological confidence.
- Its maiden voyage followed a standard transatlantic schedule that intersected with known ice conditions.
- Lifeboat shortages and class based access contributed to the high death toll.
- Outdated safety regulations failed to account for the scale of modern liners.
- Public reaction to the disaster drove lasting reforms in maritime law and rescue coordination.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why were there not enough lifeboats for everyone on Titanic?
The lifeboat complement met legal requirements based on ship tonnage, but those regulations assumed passengers would be taken off gradually, not that a single disaster would require enough boats for everyone onboard.
Did the ship really receive clear ice warnings before the collision?
Yes, the crew received multiple ice warnings via wireless, but the messages were not always routed effectively to the bridge, and the ship did not reduce speed despite known ice in the area.
How accurate are the stories about "women and children first" on Titanic?
The principle was followed with high survival rates among women and children overall, but implementation varied by class, and some men in first class were also able to secure lifeboat spots due to proximity and confusion. The SOLAS convention introduced mandatory lifeboat capacity for all persons, continuous radio listening, international ice patrols, and stricter design and inspection standards for passenger ships.