Sinking of the RMS Titanic
The ocean's hubris: 1,500 deaths, one iceberg, zero lifeboats for everyone.
Also known as Titanic disaster · Titanic wreck · April 15, 1912
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In short
The RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and sank on April 15, 1912, during its maiden voyage across the Atlantic, killing over 1,500 people. The ship was thought to be unsinkable because of its size and modern safety features, but it carried far too few lifeboats for everyone aboard. The disaster exposed fatal gaps in maritime safety and triggered international reforms that still govern ocean travel today.
The five-minute version
What actually happened.
On April 10, 1912, the RMS Titanic departed Southampton on its maiden voyage to New York City, carrying 2,224 passengers and crew. The ship was considered unsinkable—at 882 feet long and 46,000 tons, it was the largest vessel afloat at the time, equipped with the latest safety features including a double bottom, watertight compartments, and wireless telegraph apparatus operated by crew members Jack Phillips and Harold Bride.
At 11:40 p.m. on April 14, lookouts Frederick Fleet and Reginald Lee spotted an iceberg approximately 500 yards ahead. First Officer William Murdoch ordered the engines reversed and the helm hard to starboard, but the ship's momentum—traveling at roughly 22.5 knots—made evasion impossible. The iceberg scraped along the starboard side, breaching the hull across six compartments. Captain Edward Smith was informed within minutes that the ship would sink.
The wireless operators began broadcasting distress signals at 12:05 a.m. The nearest ship, the Californian, had its wireless operator asleep; the Carpathia, 58 miles away, heard the call and turned toward the sinking vessel. The Titanic had only 20 lifeboats aboard—enough for approximately 1,178 people, or 53 percent of those on board. Officers enforced the "women and children first" protocol inconsistently across different boat launches, and many lifeboats departed partially full.
The ship broke in two at 2:20 a.m. and sank into the freezing Atlantic. Of the 2,224 people aboard, 1,517 died—approximately 68 percent. The Carpathia arrived at 3:30 a.m. and rescued 710 survivors from the lifeboats. The disaster triggered immediate investigations: the U.S. Senate's inquiry, led by Senator William Alden Smith, began on April 19, 1912, and the British Board of Trade inquiry followed in May, both concluding that insufficient lifeboat capacity and excessive speed in ice-filled waters were primary causes.
The Titanic's wreck remained undiscovered for 73 years until Robert Ballard located it on September 1, 1985, at a depth of 12,500 feet. The sinking fundamentally changed maritime safety regulations, including requirements for sufficient lifeboats, 24-hour radio watch, and ice patrols in the North Atlantic.
Timeline
How it actually unfolded.
Titanic departs Southampton
The RMS Titanic leaves Southampton on its maiden voyage to New York City with 2,224 passengers and crew.
Iceberg collision
At 11:40 p.m., lookouts Frederick Fleet and Reginald Lee spot an iceberg. First Officer William Murdoch orders evasive action, but the ship strikes the iceberg at 11:40 p.m., breaching six compartments.
Distress signals broadcast
At 12:05 a.m., wireless operators Jack Phillips and Harold Bride begin transmitting distress signals. The Carpathia, 58 miles away, receives the call and alters course.
Lifeboat evacuation begins
The first lifeboat is lowered into the water at 12:45 a.m. Officers enforce 'women and children first' protocol, though many boats depart partially full.
Ship breaks and sinks
At 2:20 a.m., the Titanic breaks in two and sinks beneath the Atlantic. 1,517 people perish in the wreck and freezing water.
Carpathia arrives
At 3:30 a.m., the Carpathia reaches the lifeboat survivors and begins rescue operations, recovering 710 people.
U.S. Senate inquiry begins
Senator William Alden Smith opens the U.S. Senate's formal investigation into the disaster, focusing on safety regulations and lifeboat capacity.
British inquiry opens
The British Board of Trade begins its formal investigation under Lord Mersey, examining causes and procedures.
Wreck discovered
Oceanographer Robert Ballard locates the Titanic wreck at a depth of 12,500 feet in the North Atlantic, 73 years after the sinking.
By the numbers
The countable parts.
Ship length
0 feet (269 meters)
Ship tonnage
0 tons
Total people aboard
0
Deaths
0
Lifeboat capacity
0 people
Number of lifeboats
0
Time to sink
0 hours 40 minutes
Water depth at wreck site
0 feet (3,810 meters)
Years until wreck found
0 years
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