On April 10, 1912, the RMS Titanic embarked on its maiden voyage, sailing from Southampton, England, to New York City. Four days later the luxury liner struck an iceberg, and early the next day it sank, killing some 1,500 people. The tragedy captured the world’s imagination and made the Titanic an enduring legend.
Timeline
- On March 31, 1909, construction of the Titanic begins in Belfast, Ireland.
- On May 31, 1911, the Titanic is launched, and later the fitting-out phase starts.
- The maiden voyage begins on April 10, 1912, as the ship leaves Southampton, England.
- On April 11, 1912, the Titanic makes its final European stop, at Queenstown (Cobh), Ireland.
- On April 14, 1912, an iceberg is spotted at 11:35 PM, but it is too late to avoid a collision.
- On April 15, 1912, at 12:15 AM the first distress signals are sent.
- At 12:20 AM the Carpathia rushes toward the Titanic.
- At 12:45 AM the first lifeboats are lowered.
- At 2:18 AM the Titanic’s bow sinks.
- At 2:20 AM the Titanic founders.
- At 3:30 AM survivors are rescued by the Carpathia.
- On September 1, 1985, the shipwreck is discovered by an expedition led by Robert Ballard.
Ship Size
The Titanic was 882 feet 6 inches (269 metres) long.
Percentage of Total Fatalities
- 68% of the total people on board died.
- 45% of the first- and second-class passengers died.
- 75% of the third-class passengers died.
- 78% of the crew died.
The Path of the Titanic
A maps shows the path the Titanic took. First, it was constructed in Belfast, Ireland. The ship started its voyage at Southampton, England. The Titanic made its first stop at Cherbourg, France. The Titanic made its second stop at Queenstown (Cobh), Ireland. The Titanic wreck site is in the Atlantic Ocean just over halfway between Queenstown and New York City.