Remebering Titanic

101 years ago early this morning the Titanic laid to rest at the bottom of the ocean whilst thousands of people lost their lives.

My interest in RMS Titanic started back in 1997 with the release of the epic film staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, written and directed by James Cameron.  It started off as a Leo obsession, which many girls my age I'm sure also suffered from.  But then it grew and I've been fascinated by the tragedy since.

 

Titanic being constructed in Belfast, Ireland, 1909-11.

Harland and Wolff were the shipbuilders.  They had a long relationship with the White Star Line going back to 1867.

 

The majesty of the finished product.  It measured 882 feet in length and it's displacement was 52,310 tons.

 

Leaving Belfast for her sea trials on 2 April 1912.

 

Titanic waiting at the docks in Southampton, England before departure.

 

Leaving Southampton.

 

A beautiful painting of the Titanic at sunset.

 

The faithful crew.  Many perished with the ship including Captain Edward John Smith.

 

That fateful night, 14 April 1912.  It hit the iceberg at 11:40pm (ship's time) and she sank 2 hours and 40 minutes later on the morning of 15 April 1912.

 

A collapsible lifeboat filled with saved passengers.  Only one lifeboat, lead by 5th Officer Harold Lowe, returned to the ship to save more passengers.

 

The dreadful news made front pages worldwide.

 

Margaret "Molly" Brown awarded the Carpathia's Captain Arthur Rostron for his efforts in aiding the Titanic.

 

A haunting image of white china in neat rows on the bottom of the ocean.

Still beautiful hidden by the ocean.

As many of you know, last year was the 100 year anniversary of the sinking.  There was lots of hubbub and some neat things came out.  Life magazine put out a gorgeous magazine full of images and history.  There were several documentaries about the making of the ship and excursions down below to see the remnants.  There was also a really good mini series, aptly named Titanic.

Unfortunately this year they didn't replay many of these programs.  I suppose it was more so since it was 100 years later then.  I still feel they should have re-aired them.  Oh well.  I'm currently doing my yearly tradition of watching the 1997 film.  Such an emotional film, but not nearly as heart wrenching as the actual tragedy that ended the lives of so many people and destroyed countless families.