History of Titanic in Timeline

The RMS Titanic, a British ocean liner, sank on April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. The disaster resulted in approximately 1,500 fatalities out of an estimated 2,224 passengers and crew, making it one of history's deadliest peacetime maritime disasters. Owned by White Star Line, the ship carried a diverse group of people, including wealthy individuals and emigrants seeking a new life in North America. The sinking triggered significant changes in maritime safety regulations and has had a lasting impact on popular culture. This also marked the second instance of White Star Line losing a ship on its maiden voyage.

June 1907: RMS Oceanic departed from a new home port

In June 1907, RMS Oceanic departed from a new home port along with the Teutonic, Majestic, and the new Adriatic on the Southampton-New York run.

1907: Captain Smith's Confidence

In 1907, Captain Smith stated that he "could not imagine any condition which would cause a ship to founder", highlighting the prevailing confidence in modern shipbuilding at the time.

1907: White Star Line established Southampton service

In 1907, White Star Line established another service from Southampton on England's south coast, which became known as White Star's "Express Service".

1907: Discussion between Ismay and Morgan

In mid-1907, J. Bruce Ismay, chairman of White Star Line, and American financier J. P. Morgan discussed the need for new large vessels.

July 1908: Approval of the Titanic's design

In July 1908, specifically on July 29, Harland and Wolff presented the drawings to J. Bruce Ismay and other White Star Line executives. Two days later, Ismay approved the design authorizing the start of construction.

December 1908: Keel laid down for Olympic

On December 16, 1908, the keel was laid down for the Olympic.

March 1909: Keel laid down for Titanic

On March 31, 1909, the keel was laid down for the Titanic.

May 1911: Launch of the Titanic

On May 31, 1911, the Titanic was launched at 12:15 pm in Belfast, Ireland, in front of a large crowd. The ship was then towed to a fitting-out berth for completion.

June 1911: Olympic replaced Teutonic

In June 1911, the Olympic entered service and replaced Teutonic.

September 1911: Collision involving the Olympic

In September 1911, the Olympic was involved in a collision, causing a temporary pause in the work on the Titanic to allow for repairs to the Olympic.

1911: RMS Olympic Rammed

In 1911, RMS Olympic, on which Violet Jessop and Arthur John Priest, who were also aboard the Titanic when it sunk, were aboard when the ship was rammed.

1911: Opening of the White Star Dock

In 1911, the deep-water dock at Southampton, known as the "White Star Dock", opened to accommodate the new Olympic-class liners.

January 1912: Insurance Coverage

In January 1912, the hulls and equipment of Titanic and Olympic were insured through Lloyd's of London and London Marine Insurance for £1,000,000 per ship. The premium for Titanic was £7,500 for one year.

February 1912: Titanic in Thompson Graving Dock

In February 1912, Titanic was moved into Thompson Graving Dock to receive its propellers and final red hull coating.

March 1912: Titanic moved out of Thompson Graving Dock

On March 6, 1912, Titanic was moved out of Thompson Graving Dock to allow the Olympic, which had lost a propeller blade, to enter for repairs.

April 1912: Titanic's Maiden Voyage Begins

In April 1912, Titanic's maiden voyage commenced from Southampton. Passengers boarded, with Third Class embarking first, followed by First and Second Class. Captain Smith greeted First Class passengers personally. Third Class passengers underwent medical inspections for US entry clearance.

April 1912: Sinking of the Titanic

In April 1912, the British ocean liner RMS Titanic sank in the early morning hours of April 15 after striking an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. Approximately 1,500 of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew died, making it one of history's deadliest peacetime maritime disasters. This event spurred significant changes in maritime safety regulations.

April 1912: Titanic's sea trials

On April 2, 1912, Titanic's sea trials began, involving crew members, company representatives, and a surveyor from the Board of Trade to ensure the ship's readiness for passengers.

May 1912: Recovery of Bodies by RMS Oceanic

In May 1912, RMS Oceanic recovered three bodies over 200 miles from the site of the sinking who were among the original occupants of Collapsible A. The bodies were subsequently buried at sea.

June 1912: Guglielmo Marconi's Testimony

In June 1912, Guglielmo Marconi gave evidence to the Court of Inquiry regarding the telegraphy. The final report recommended that all liners carry the system and that sufficient operators maintain a constant service.

August 1912: Corsican Strikes Iceberg

In August 1912, the liner Corsican struck an iceberg in the Atlantic, severely damaging the bow. Speed was reduced to 'dead slow' due to hazy weather, limiting further damage.

December 1912: Titanic's schedule of voyages

The schedule of voyages through to December 1912 still exists.

1912: Cargo on Titanic's maiden voyage

In 1912, Titanic's maiden voyage included a large amount of baggage and regular cargo, including furniture, foodstuffs, and a 1912 Renault Type CE Coupe de Ville motor car.

1912: Coal Strike Disruption

In 1912, a national coal strike in the UK disrupted shipping schedules, causing many crossings to be cancelled. This impacted Titanic's maiden voyage, as fewer passengers booked due to travel postponements. Coal was transferred from other vessels to ensure Titanic could sail on schedule.

1912: Titanic in White Star Line's fleet

In 1912, the RMS Titanic was part of White Star Line's fleet of 29 steamers and tenders. It was the second of three Olympic-class ocean liners, preceded by the Olympic and followed by the Britannic.

1912: The United States government passed the Radio Act of 1912

In 1912, the United States government passed the Radio Act of 1912. This act mandated 24-hour radio communications on passenger ships, a secondary power supply, and maintaining contact with nearby vessels and coastal stations. Also in 1912, it was agreed in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea that the firing of red rockets from a ship must be interpreted as a sign of need for help.

1913: Formation of the International Ice Patrol

In 1913, the International Ice Patrol was formed and internationally funded, as an agency of the U.S. Coast Guard to monitor and report on the location of North Atlantic Ocean icebergs. The primary reconnaissance is conducted by Coast Guard aircraft. Information is also collected from ships in the area.

May 1914: New 'Rules for Life Saving Appliances' Passed

In May 1914, the British Board of Trade passed new "Rules for Life Saving Appliances" following the Titanic disaster. These rules were subsequently applied at a meeting of British steamship companies in Liverpool in June.

June 1914: British Steamship Companies Meeting in Liverpool

In June 1914, British steamship companies convened in Liverpool to discuss the implementation of the new "Rules for Life Saving Appliances" passed by the Board of Trade in May of the same year.

1914: Supreme Court Ruling Limits White Star Line's Liability

In 1914, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of White Star Line, finding them qualified as a limited liability company (LLC) and that the ship's sinking was largely unforeseeable. This decision limited the damages survivors and family members were entitled to.

December 1915: Settlement Agreement Reached

In December 1915, a settlement was agreed upon by 44 of the claimants against White Star Line, with $500,000 set aside for the American claimants, $50,000 for the British, and $114,000 to go towards interest and legal expenses.

1955: Publication of 'A Night to Remember'

In 1955, the first historically accurate book about the Titanic disaster, "A Night to Remember" by Walter Lord, was published.

1958: Release of 'A Night to Remember' film

In 1958, the British film "A Night to Remember" was released, and it's widely regarded as the most historically accurate movie portrayal of the Titanic sinking.

1969: Queen Elizabeth 2 registered in Southampton

In 1969, the Queen Elizabeth 2 was one of the first ships registered in Southampton when introduced into service by Cunard.

1974: New Version of Safety of Life at Sea Convention Adopted

In 1974, a completely new version of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) was adopted, which has been updated by periodic amendments. Signatories to the Convention followed up with national legislation to implement the new standards.

September 1985: Titanic Wreck Located

On September 1, 1985, a Franco-American expedition led by Jean-Louis Michel and Robert Ballard successfully located the wreck of the Titanic. It was discovered over 12,000 feet below the surface.

1985: Discovery of the Wreck

In 1985, the wreck of the Titanic was discovered, revealing that the ship had broken in two before sinking. This discovery contradicted previous beliefs that the ship sank in one piece.

1995: Queen's Island Renamed Titanic Quarter

In 1995, Queen's Island in Belfast Harbour, where the Titanic was built, was renamed Titanic Quarter.

1997: Filming of James Cameron's Titanic

During the filming of James Cameron's Titanic in 1997, the replica of the Grand Staircase was ripped from its foundations by the force of inrushing water on the set.

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2001: UNESCO Convention on Underwater Cultural Heritage

In 2001, the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage was established, which now protects the wreck of the Titanic by prohibiting pillaging and commercial exploitation by states that are party to the convention.

2004: Northern Ireland Tourism Board's Strategic Framework for Action 2004-2007

Following the Troubles and Good Friday Agreement, in 2004 it was identified in the Northern Ireland Tourism Board's Strategic Framework for Action 2004–2007 that the significance of and interest in Titanic globally was not being fully exploited as a tourist attraction. Thus, Titanic Belfast was spearheaded, along with some smaller projects, such as a Titanic memorial.

2004: Expedition Led by NOAA

In 2004, Robert Ballard led an expedition for the NOAA that captured photos showing a boot and coat near Titanic's stern.

2006: Estimated Deterioration of the Wreck

In 2006, it was estimated that within 50 years, the hull and structure of Titanic would eventually collapse entirely due to iron-eating bacteria, leaving only the more durable interior fittings of the ship intermingled with a pile of rust on the sea floor.

2007: Northern Ireland Tourism Board's Strategic Framework for Action

In 2007, it was identified in the Northern Ireland Tourism Board's Strategic Framework for Action that the significance of and interest in Titanic globally was not being fully exploited as a tourist attraction. Thus, Titanic Belfast was spearheaded, along with some smaller projects, such as a Titanic memorial.

May 2009: Death of Last Survivor

In May 2009, the last living survivor of the Titanic, Millvina Dean, passed away at the age of 97. She was the youngest passenger on board, only nine weeks old at the time of the sinking.

April 2012: Possible Human Remains Discovered

On 16 April 2012, the day after the 100th anniversary of the sinking, photos were released showing possible human remains resting on the ocean floor near Titanic's stern. The photos, taken by Robert Ballard during an expedition led by NOAA in 2004, show a boot and a coat.

2012: Opening of Titanic Belfast visitor attraction

In 2012, the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction was opened on the site of the shipyard where Titanic was built.

2012: Centenary Marked by Events and Commemorations

In 2012, the centenary of the Titanic sinking was marked by plays, radio programmes, parades, exhibitions, and special trips to the site. Commemorative stamps and coins were issued to mark the centenary of the disaster.

2014: Benefit Concerts for Victims

In 2014, it was noted that in New York City, in April 29, 1912, opera stars Enrico Caruso and Mary Garden and members of the Metropolitan Opera raised $12,000 in benefits for victims of the disaster by giving special concerts in which versions of "Autumn" and "Nearer My God To Thee" were part of the programme.

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November 2016: Construction of Replica Titanic Begins

In November 2016, a Chinese shipbuilding company, Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Co., Ltd, began constructing a replica of the Titanic for a resort, planned to include features of the original ship and an audiovisual simulation of the sinking.

2016: Titanic Belfast visitor attraction was opened

In 2016, the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction in Northern Ireland was the second most visited tourist attraction with almost 700,000 visitors.

August 2018: Groups Vying to Purchase Titanic Relics

In August 2018, several groups competed to purchase the 5,500 Titanic relics owned by the bankrupt Premier Exhibitions, including a consortium of Titanic Belfast, Titanic Foundation Limited, and the National Museums Northern Ireland, which aimed to keep the items together in Belfast and Greenwich.

October 2018: Hedge Funds Purchase Titanic Relics

On 17 October 2018, it was reported that a consortium of three hedge funds—Apollo Global Management, Alta Fundamental Advisers, and PacBridge Capital Partners—had paid US$19.5 million for the Titanic relic collection. This purchase ensures that Premier's unsecured creditors receive an 80% recovery.

2018: Damages Claims Against White Star Line

In 2018, it was noted that in the United States and Britain, more than 60 survivors combined to sue the White Star Line for damages connected to loss of life and baggage. The claims totalled $16,804,112.

August 2019: Submersible Collision with the Wreck

In August 2019, a two-person submersible conducting research and filming a documentary crashed into the wreck of the Titanic due to strong currents. The submersible sustained a red rust stain, but the report did not mention if the Titanic sustained damage.

2022: Replica Titanic Project Reportedly 25% Complete

As of 2022, the replica Titanic project in China was reportedly only 25% complete, with its website and Twitter account offline.

2022: Data Captured to Create Digital Twin of Titanic

In the summer of 2022, data was captured to create a digital twin of the Titanic by the deep-water seabed-mapping company Magellan Ltd.

May 2023: Digital Twin of Titanic Created

In May 2023, Magellan Ltd. announced the creation of a "digital twin" of the Titanic, showing the wreckage in unprecedented detail. The model was created from 715,000 3D images captured during a six-week expedition in the summer of 2022.

June 2023: Titan Submersible Implosion

On 18 June 2023, the submersible Titan, operated by OceanGate Expeditions, imploded in the North Atlantic Ocean while carrying tourists to view the wreckage of the Titanic.

2023: Value of the painting La Circassienne au Bain

In 2023, the $100,000 claim for the loss of the painting La Circassienne au Bain in 1912 is equivalent to $2,300,000.

2023: Cost of the Olympic-class ships

In 2023, the £3 million cost for the first two Olympic-class ships in the early 1900s is equivalent to approximately £370 million.

July 2024: Expedition to Examine Wreck Status

On 15 July 2024, RMS Titanic Inc. launched its first expedition to the wreck in 14 years. The expedition aimed to examine the wreck's status through high-resolution photography for future scientific studies, and to identify and search for on-site artefacts. A magnetometer was utilized for metal detection for the first time in the history of Titanic expeditions.