Unsinkable page 7

Unsinkable page 7 by ric Gustafson


At noon on May 31 1911, nearly 100,000 people had gathered on the bank of the River Lagan for the launch of the Titanic. Among the dignitaries included J Pierpont Morgan, J Bruce Ismay and his family and Thomas Andrews. Promptly at noon, Lord Pirrie led the dignitaries down to a grandstand in front of Slip 3 which was directly in front of Titanic's bow. Behind the grandstand stood the press.
After the guests were seated, Lord Pirrie inspected the launching gear. At 12:05, a red flag was raised on Titanic's sternpost  which was a signal for ships behind the giant liner to get out of the way. At 12:10, a rocket was launched signaling five minutes to go. At 12:14, a second rocket was launched to commence the launch.
The valves on the hydraulic triggers were opened and the restraining balks were knocked away. The workers could hear and see the giant liner slowly creep down into the water. After only 62 seconds after the launch rocket was fired, the giant ship was in the River Lagan.
A tender took Lord and Lady Pirrie, the Ismays and Morgan out to the giant liner. Then they traveled down the River Lagan to inspect the Olympic which had just finished it's sea trials. The liner was going to take them back to England and arrive at Liverpool.
A flotilla of tugs pushed the Titanic into the Graving Dock where the long process of fitting out was to begin.


research help: ' Unsinkable' by Daniel Allen Butler


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric