The RMS Titanic departed Southampton on April 10, 1912 and struck an iceberg in the early hours of April 15, 1912. This disaster transformed maritime safety regulations and remains a focal point for historians, engineers, and travelers interested in the cruise ship era.
Below you will find a detailed overview of the Titanic crash date, surrounding events, and long term impact, presented through a structured summary, key sections, and a focused FAQ designed to address real visitor questions.
Passenger and Crew Profile at Time of Sinking
| Category | Count | Survived | Mortality Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Passengers | 2,223 | 706 | 68.3% |
| Total Crew | 899 | 212 | 76.3% |
| Children on Board | 107 | 53 | 50.5% |
| Women in First Class | "Not specified in this table"
Timeline of the Titanic Voyage and Iceberg Impact
| Date and Time | Event | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 10, 1912 12:00 | Departure from Southampton | Southampton, England | First port of call |
| Apr 10, 1912 16:30 | Queenstown Departure | Cobh, Ireland | Last landfall before Atlantic |
| Apr 14, 1912 23:40 | Iceberg Collision | 41.73°N, 49.95°W | Critical damage to hull compartments |
| Apr 15, 1912 02:20 | Ship Sinks | North Atlantic Ocean | Loss of over 1,500 lives |
Navigation Decisions and Ice Warnings
Hours before the collision, multiple ships relayed ice warnings to the Titanic. Despite these messages, the bridge maintained high speed in a known ice field, reflecting both operational confidence and limited wireless communication protocols of the era.
Lookouts on the crow’s nest lacked binoculars, which hampered early detection. When the iceberg came into view, the helmsman executed a hard turn, but the combination of velocity and underwater design allowed the ice to puncture several watertight compartments along the starboard side.
Rescue Operations and Aftermath
The SS Carpathia arrived approximately one hour and fifty minutes after the final distress signal. Freezing waters limited rescue capacity, and many passengers perished before help arrived. Official inquiries followed in the United States and United Kingdom, leading to widespread reforms in maritime law.
These changes included around the clock wireless monitoring, sufficient lifeboat capacity for all aboard, and standardized iceberg patrol routes. The tragedy reshaped public trust in ocean travel and set the stage for stricter international safety agreements.
Modern Exploration and Wreck Discovery
In 1985, a joint French American expedition located the wreck in two main sections about 3,800 meters below the surface. Subsequent visits by researchers and filmmakers have documented the gradual decay of the site, prompting discussions about preservation and ethics in underwater archaeology.
Today, the coordinates of the sinking remain a reference point in maritime history. Artifacts recovered from the debris field are displayed in museums, offering a tangible connection to the passengers and crew of that fateful night.
Key Takeaways from the Titanic Crash
- April 15, 1912 marks the date of the sinking in the North Atlantic.
- Over 1,500 lives were lost due to insufficient lifeboats and freezing conditions.
- Ice warnings were received but speed reductions were not enough to avoid impact.
- The wreck discovery in 1985 spurred new archaeological and preservation standards.
- Regulatory reforms improved safety protocols for future oceanic travel.
FAQ
Reader questions
On what exact date and time did the Titanic strike the iceberg?
The Titanic collided with the iceberg at 11:40 PM ship’s time on April 14, 1912.
How many people were on board during the fateful night of the crash?
There were 2,223 people on board, including passengers and crew.
What were the key timeline events on the day of the crash?
The ship struck the iceberg at 11:40 PM, issued distress calls, and sank at 2:20 AM on April 15, 1912.
Why did so many passengers and crew not survive the sinking?
Limited lifeboat capacity, freezing water temperatures, and delayed rescue response led to the high death toll.