Detecting the Lethal Iceberg
The sinking of the ill-fated RMS Titanic is one of the most tragic and lasting stories in modern history. However, it is not often known that the sharp-eyed lookout, Frederick Fleet, was the first to notice the oncoming iceberg. The first officer, William Murdoch, worked quickly to steer the ship away from the danger, but it was too late. The ship’s starboard side struck with the iceberg, setting off a disastrous cascade of events. As the ship began to sink, the freezing seas’ (-2°C) dropping temperatures claimed many lives within three hours.
Detecting the Lethal Iceberg
The Irony of the Lifeboats: A Tale of Tragic Rescue Efforts
Based on the image, one might presume that it depicts a lifeboat being lowered during a crisis on the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage. Ironically, the ship’s crew had not anticipated the need for them. Fortunately, the ship had 14 lifeboats, each capable of carrying 65 passengers, as well as four collapsible lifeboats capable of carrying 47 passengers. Furthermore, the “Cutter” emergency vessels were designed to carry 35 to 40 additional passengers, bringing the Titanic’s total lifeboat capacity to 1,176. Investing in such safety measures is critical in the marine industry, where disasters are a constant concern, and is required by the International Maritime Organization.
The Irony of the Lifeboats: A Tale of Tragic Rescue Efforts
