Four days after departing Southampton for New York, the Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic.
A double-bottom hull and 16 watertight compartments with doors that could be closed from the bridge. Titanic
The sinking lasted two hours and forty minutes. During this time, the "women and children first" protocol was largely observed, though survival rates favored those in First Class. Legends were born in the chaos: the ship’s band famously played music until the very end, and wireless operators stayed at their posts sending distress signals (CQD and the new SOS). Four days after departing Southampton for New York,
: Struck an iceberg at 11:40 PM on April 14, 1912, in the North Atlantic [19, 23]. During this time, the "women and children first"
As the physical wreck slowly returns to the iron ore from which it came, the legend of the Titanic shows no signs of fading. New expeditions continue to map the debris field in 8K resolution. Tourists pay $250,000 to dive to the wreck in submersibles (a practice that has sparked intense ethical debate). Museums in Belfast, Southampton, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, draw millions of visitors who marvel at recovered china and recreate the Grand Staircase.
The "unsinkable" ship began to tilt forward. The order was given to uncover the lifeboats. Here lies the most scandalous aspect of the disaster. Titanic carried 20 lifeboats (plus 4 collapsible canvas boats), enough for 1,178 people. That was only one-third of the total aboard. At the time, the Board of Trade regulations allowed that number, as it was believed that a damaged ship would serve as its own lifeboat long enough for rescue.