Titanic: The Unsinkable Ship That Sank

The Construction and Launch of RMS Titanic

Design and Specifications

The RMS Titanic was built by the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. At its launch, it was the world’s largest and most luxurious ocean liner. Its maiden voyage departed Southampton on April 10, 1912 Source 1.

Journey Route

The ship stopped at Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland, before heading to New York City. It carried 2,227 passengers and crew aboard Source 5.

The Sinking of the Titanic

The Collision

On April 14, 1912, at 11:40 p.m., the Titanic struck an iceberg about 400 miles south of Newfoundland. The ship sank in the early hours of April 15 Source 3.

Casualties and Aftermath

Approximately 1,500 lives were lost, while only 705 survivors were rescued. The disaster occurred in the North Atlantic Ocean Source 2.

Discovery and Legacy

The Wreck Site

The Titanic wreck was discovered in 1985 after 73 years underwater. It was located by the French Research Institute for the Exploration of the Sea and is now preserved as a protected historic site Source 9.

FAQ

How long did it take for the Titanic to sink after hitting the iceberg? The Titanic sank roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes after the collision, in the early hours of April 15, 1912.

Who discovered the Titanic wreck? The wreck was discovered in 1985 by a team including the French Research Institute for the Exploration of the Sea.

How many people survived the Titanic disaster? Approximately 705 people survived out of 2,227 passengers and crew aboard.

Why was the Titanic considered unsinkable? The Titanic was marketed as unsinkable due to its advanced safety features, though it lacked sufficient lifeboats.

Where is the Titanic located today? The wreck lies approximately 400 miles south of Newfoundland in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Has the Titanic wreck been explored? Yes, the wreck has been extensively explored since its 1985 discovery, with ongoing preservation efforts.