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About the RMS Titanic

Titanic at Sea Titanic in Port Titanic Lifeboat

Practically Unsinkable

On March 31st, 1909, construction on the RMS Titanic began at Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Ireland. The ship was ordered by the White Star Line and designed by William Pirrie - the chairman of Harland and Wolff. The ship was considered by many to be the pinacle of maritime luxury and was dubbed 'unsinkable' by The Shipbuilder magazine.

The Titanic began its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean on April 12th, 1912 when it departed from Queenstown, Ireland. The ship was expected to arrive in New York City, NY on April 17th, 1912.

The evening of April 14th, 1912, the Titanic struck a large iceberg - breeching the hull. Three hours later, the Titanic sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean killing 1517 passengers.

Although the Titanic was designed to accomodate 32 lifeboats, only 20 were brought on its maiden voyage. It was felt 32 lifeboats would clutter the deck. Of the 3547 passengers, only 1178 could fit on 20 lifeboats - if they were filled to capacity.

RMS Titanic Timeline

Date Time Event
March 31, 1909 n/a Construction of RMS Titanic begins.
April 10, 1912 12:00pm Titanic launches from Queensport, Ireland on maiden voyage.
April 14, 1912 11:40pm Titanic strikes large iceberg on starboard side of bow.
April 15, 1912 12:00am Captain Ed Smith told Titanic will only stay afloat for a couple of hours. He give order to call for help over the radio.
April 15, 1912 12:05am Lifeboats uncovered and evacuation of ship commences.
April 15, 1912 12:25am The Carpathia picks up distress call from Titanic and begins 58 mile journey in hopes of lending assistance.
April 15, 1912 12:45am First lifeboat succesfully lowered. Carries only 28 of 65 possible occupants.
April 15, 1912 2:05am Last lifeboat leaves Titanic as bow of ship sinks gradually pulling the stern higher into the air and increasing the stress on the ship´s hull.
April 15, 1912 2:20am Titanic hull breaks in half causing stern to violently settle back into the water. Stern quickly fills with water and Titanic sinks to the bottom of Atlantic Ocean.
April 15, 1912 4:10am The Carpathia picks up first passengers.
April 15, 1912 8:50am The Carpathia leaves for New York with 705 Titanic passengers on board.
April 18, 1912 9:00pm The Carpathia arrives in New York City port.

RMS Titanic Facts

  • Class and type: Olympic-class ocean liner
  • Builder: Harland and Wolff shipyard, Belfast
  • Launched: 31 May 1911
  • Homeport: Liverpool
  • Length: 882 feet 9 inches
  • Beam: 92 feet
  • Gross Weight: 46,328 tons
  • Propulsion: Three outboard propellers
  • Engines: Two triple-expansion reciprocating steam engines and one low-pressure Parsons turbine
  • Power Plant: 25 double-ended, 4 single-ended Scotch-type boilers and, 159 coal burning furnaces
  • Top speed: 23 knots