The Titanic was a British passenger liner that struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic on 15 April 1912 during its maiden voyage. The disaster killed more than 1,500 people and led to major improvements in maritime safety. Its wreck, discovered in 1985, remains a subject of archaeological and historical study.
Where
North Atlantic, 41.733 N, 49.947 W
Outcome
Sank; over 1,500 died
Background
Titanic was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast for the White Star Line. Launched on 31 May 1911, it was the largest ship afloat at the time. Its maiden voyage began from Southampton on 10 April 1912, with stops at Cherbourg and Queenstown, bound for New York. The ship carried about 2,200 people, including passengers, crew, and officers.
The sinking
At about 23:40 on 14 April 1912, Titanic struck an iceberg south of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. The collision opened seams in the hull, flooding six compartments. The ship sank at about 02:20 on 15 April. Lifeboats had capacity for only about half of those on board, and many were launched partially filled. Over 1,500 people died; about 700 survived, most picked up by the Cunard liner Carpathia.
Aftermath and legacy
The disaster prompted the first International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea in 1914, which required sufficient lifeboats, radio watches, and ice patrols. The wreck was found in 1985 about 600 kilometres south of Newfoundland, at a depth of roughly 3,800 metres. It has since been explored and mapped, but the site is deteriorating due to bacteria and is protected under international agreement.
Perspectives. The sinking is seen as a cautionary tale about technological hubris and class inequality, and it spurred major maritime safety reforms. Some religious interpretations view it as divine judgment, while others focus on human error and inadequate safety measures.
Uncertain. The exact number of casualties is uncertain, with estimates ranging from about 1,490 to 1,635. The precise location and time of the collision vary slightly in different accounts. The atlas lists the date range 31 March 1909 to 15 April 1912, which likely reflects construction start to sinking, but the launch date is sometimes given as 31 May 1911; the 1909 date may be the keel laying.
Further reading. Walter Lord, A Night to Remember; Robert D. Ballard, The Discovery of the Titanic; Report on the Loss of the S.S. Titanic (British Wreck Commissioner's Inquiry)