What happened to the Titanic and why does it still matter
RMS Titanic, a British passenger liner, sank in the North Atlantic in the early hours of 15 April 1912 after striking an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. More than 1,500 of the approximately 2,224 people on board lost their lives. Built in Belfast and operated by the White Star Line, Titanic was the largest ship of her time, celebrated for ambitious design, claimed prestige, and later for safety shortcomings exposed by the disaster. This verified explainer outlines the ship’s facts, construction, voyage, sinking, rescue, and enduring legacy.
Key Titanic facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | RMS Titanic | Historical records |
| Operator | White Star Line | Company archives |
| Route | Southampton to New York City | Voyage plan |
| Departure | 10 April 1912 | Port logs |
| Fate | Sank 15 April 1912 | Maritime inquiry |
| Passengers + crew | 2,224 aboard | Lists and manifests |
| Survivors | About 706 | Survivor accounts |
| Fatalities | About 1,517 | Boarding and rescue records |
| Length | 882 ft 9 in (269.1 m) | Naval architecture reports |
| Beam | 92 ft 6 in (28.2 m) | Design specifications |
| Gross register tonnage | 46,328 GRT | Registry entries |
| Propulsion | Two triple-expansion engines + low-pressure turbine | Engineering plans |
| Top speed (service) | Approximately 21–23 knots | Trials data |
| Lifeboat capacity | 1,178 people | Equipment lists |
| Wreck discovery | 1985 by Robert Ballard expedition | Expedition logs |
Background and design context
Titanic was the second of three Olympic-class liners built for White Star Line, designed to compete on size and comfort rather than speed alone. Construction took place at Harland and Wolff in Belfast, with keel laid in 1909 and hull completed in 1911. The ship incorporated 16 main watertight compartments with remotely closable doors, and had enough lifeboat capacity for about 1,178 people, roughly half the number on board. At launch, Titanic was widely described as unsinkable in popular and some technical writing, though White Star marketing avoided that exact term. Design priorities emphasized luxury for first-class passengers, including grand staircases, dining saloons, and spacious cabins, alongside more modest accommodations for third class.
Voyage and departure details
Titanic departed Southampton on 10 April 1912, called at Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland, before heading west across the North Atlantic. She was bound for New York City, with an estimated arrival around 18 April. On 14 April, wireless warnings about moderate to dense ice were received, and the ship maintained high speed in a region known for spring icebergs. Lookouts had no binoculars available in the crow’s nest, and in the early hours of 15 April, an iceberg was struck on the starboard side, damaging several compartments below the waterline.
Timeline of the sinking
After the collision, watertight doors closed automatically, but flooding gradually overwhelmed compartments. Distress signals were sent by wireless and rockets, but many ships in the area did not understand the immediacy of the calls. The lifeboat loading process favored first- and second-class passengers and lacked sufficient coordination. By 2:20 a.m. on 15 April, the stern rose and the ship broke in two, sinking in about 12,500 feet of water. Rescue ship RMS Carpathia arrived around 4 a.m., carrying survivors and later transferring them to other vessels.
Immediate aftermath and inquiries
Inquiries in the United States and Britain reviewed the events, practices, and regulations. Recommendations led to improved lifeboat requirements, 24-hour wireless monitoring on ships, and the formation of international ice patrols to monitor North Atlantic hazards. These changes reflected a shift from prestige-focused design toward explicit safety priorities in maritime regulation.
Passenger and crew profile
Passengers came from multiple classes and backgrounds, including wealthy travelers, immigrants heading to new lives, and crew members employed in operations and service. Children, women, and men were all affected, with survival rates showing marked differences by group, influenced by proximity to lifeboats, access to information, and protocol during loading. About 10% of those on board died, though rates varied significantly across passenger categories.
Passenger breakdown (approximate)
| Group | Estimated Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First class passengers + crew | ~325 | Higher survival rate |
| Second class passengers + crew | ~285 | Moderate survival rate |
| Third class passengers + crew | ~710 | Lower survival rate |
| Children | ~110 | High profile in rescue narratives |
| Crew | ~920 | Many stayed at posts; diverse roles |
Wreck discovery and exploration
The wreck was located in 1985 by a team led by Robert Ballard, lying in two main pieces about a third of a mile apart. Subsequent visits by remotely operated vehicles have documented the condition of the site, which is deteriorating due to natural processes and salvage activity. Artifacts recovered during expeditions are curated in museums and used for research, while the site is legally protected as a memorial under international agreements.
Cultural legacy and ongoing study
Titanic has shaped books, films, museums, and memorials worldwide, symbolizing both technological ambition and human vulnerability. Public interest remains strong, supported by exhibitions, educational programs, and continued scholarship. The disaster reinforced lessons about regulation, corporate responsibility, and the need for coordinated emergency response at sea.
Why Titanic facts and history endure
- Combines engineering, human stories, and regulatory change in one event.
- Well documented with official inquiries, personal accounts, and physical evidence.
- Continues to inform maritime safety practices and public memory.
- Accessible through museums, academic work, legal records, and underwater archaeology.
Frequently asked questions
Below are concise answers to common questions about Titanic facts and history.
- When did Titanic sink? She sank in the early hours of 15 April 1912 after striking an iceberg.
- How many people were on board? There were approximately 2,224 people aboard, including passengers and crew.
- How many survived? About 706 people survived; roughly 1,517 died in the disaster or shortly after.
- Who owned the ship? Titanic was operated by the White Star Line, a British shipping company.
- Where is the wreck now? The wreck lies on the North Atlantic seafloor about 370 nautical miles southeast of Newfoundland, Canada.
- Has the site been salvaged? Artifacts have been recovered and exhibited; the wreck is protected and subject to international agreements.