Titanic anniversary marked the world over

15^th April 2012

Sophie Mihell-Hale

Sophie Mihell-Hale

15 April 2012

She was the largest ship to take to the seas when she set sail on her maiden voyage. Deemed “unsinkable,” she had aboard 2,223 people, from the world’s wealthiest to the poorest emigrants, desperate for a better life in North America. She boasted libraries, a swimming pool, gym and an array of restaurants, and was the picture of luxury and decadence. However, RMS Titanic became a name to remember for different reasons.

The ship sailed with much aplomb on 10^th April 1912 from Southampton, destined ultimately for New York. However, shortly before midnight on 14^th April, in what is now an infamous sequence of events, Titanic struck an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean, causing detrimental damage and devastating loss of life. Ill-prepared for such an emergency, there were not enough lifeboats to accommodate all passengers and the crew were lacking in the adequate training required. As panic ensued, many lifeboats were launched half-empty in an attempt to evacuate people as quickly as possible, whilst the majority of the third-class passengers were left trapped below deck in the rapidly sinking ship. Others threw themselves into the icy water only to perish from hypothermia. In total, 1,517 passengers and crew lost their lives; a mere 710 survived.

Today marks the 100-year anniversary of Titanic’s sinking. Across the world people have been marking the event, showing their respect for the lives lost in one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history. Memorial cruises have sailed, tracing the route of the doomed voyage to commemorate at the ocean spot under which the ship now lies. On land, remembrance services, with descendents of the victims leading tributes to those onboard, have been taking place on both sides of the Atlantic with special orchestral performances and church services.

At Belfast City Hall bronze plaques, containing the names of all those who perished, have been revealed. Listed in alphabetical order and without distinction, it is the first time that all the names have been listed on one monument. 

Sophie Mihell-Hale