Titanic 2016 page 2

Titanic 2016 page 2 by ric Gustafson


The Titanic was designed for comfort and stability. The designers of the huge liner never considered the possibility of a tragedy that occurred. The liner had fifteen water tight compartments. The bulkheads were heavy sheet metal that started at the bottom of the liner and stopped at the top side. The bulkhead openings were the size of a doorway. They were held in place by friction clutches. On the bridge was a switch that connected to an electric magnet at the side of the opening. This switch released the friction clutch which closed the door in a second.
On Wednesday April 10 1912 at 12 noon, the Titanic steamed out of the port of Southampton England. Eager watchers gathered to watch the departure. Loved ones of the passengers gathered also.
Commanding the huge ship was Captain E J Smith. He was a sea veteran and an Admiral of the White Star Line fleet. There were six officers and two wireless operators. The only thing that happened as it left was that an American liner the New York came apart from it's mooring and began to float toward the Titanic. Luckily two tugs stopped the liner in time and towed it away.
The Titanic made 484 miles it's first day even though there was trouble in the coal bunkers. A fire had started in coal bunker number 6. Dry coal had been smoldering for days and flames were raging from the bottom of the bunkers. The stokers tried the entire voyage to put it out but could not. It was one of the many mysteries that surrounded the ill fated voyage.
Starting Sunday afternoon April 14 1912, ice warnings began to arrive in the wireless office.


research help: ' On Board the Titanic' by Dover Publications


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric