The R.M.S. Titanic, a British passenger liner, famously sank on its maiden voyage in 1912 after striking an iceberg. This catastrophic event remains one of the most well-known maritime disasters in history.
The Ill-Fated Maiden Voyage
The Titanic was launched on May 31, 1911, and was celebrated as an engineering marvel of its time. It embarked on its highly anticipated maiden voyage from Southampton, England, on April 10, 1912, with approximately 2,240 passengers and crew on board, destined for New York City.
However, the journey was tragically cut short. On the night of April 14, 1912, while crossing the North Atlantic, the Titanic struck a massive iceberg. The impact caused significant damage to the ship's hull, leading to rapid flooding.
The Tragic Sinking and Its Aftermath
In the early hours of April 15, 1912, less than three hours after the collision, the Titanic broke apart and sank to the bottom of the ocean. The disaster resulted in a devastating loss of life, with more than 1,500 passengers and crew perishing in the freezing waters. The high casualty count was exacerbated by a severe shortage of lifeboats for the number of people on board.
The sinking of the Titanic sent shockwaves across the globe and led to immediate and significant changes in maritime safety regulations. These included stricter requirements for lifeboat capacity, the establishment of the International Ice Patrol to monitor icebergs in shipping lanes, and improved communication protocols at sea.
Key Facts About the R.M.S. Titanic
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ship Name | R.M.S. Titanic |
| Launched | May 31, 1911 |
| Maiden Voyage Start | April 10, 1912 (from Southampton) |
| Sinking Date | April 15, 1912 |
| Cause of Sinking | Struck an iceberg |
| Lives Lost | More than 1,500 (out of approx. 2,240 passengers and crew) |
| Destination | New York City |
For more detailed information on the Titanic's construction, voyage, and lasting impact, you can explore resources like the Wikipedia page on RMS Titanic.
