Carpathia Rescues Survivors

At 12:15 am (00:15) 15th April 1912 the radio operator of the RMS Carpathia picked up a distress signal from Titanic. The Carpathia had left New York on 12th April 1912 bound for the Mediterranean. Over the other side of the Atlantic, the RMS Titanic was leaving Queenstown (now Cobh) for New York.

RMS Carpathia

Titanic sends out distress signals

The RMS Carpathia was en-route to Fiume, a regular Cunard route between New York and the Austro-Hungarian port, for migrants going to and from America. The Carpathia had been built by Swan Hunter on the River Tyne, launched in 1901, making her maiden voyage in May 1903. The ship could carry 2,550 passengers, a work horse which would neither win the Blue Ribbond (fastest trans Atlantic crossing), nor carry rich millionaires.

RMS Carpathia

On receiving the distress signal, Carpathia's captain, Rostrom, ordered Carpathia to alter course towards the Titanic 93 km (58 miles) north west. It would take four hours for Carpathia to reach Titanic. Carpathia's top speed was 14 knots (16 mph - 26 kmh). Captain Rostrom ordered the ships heating and hot water turned off to ensure maximum power to the engines.  This allowed Carpathia to reach a speed of 17 knots. As the Carpathia headed for Titanic, Rostrom made preparations to receive survivors.

Carpathia reached the edge of the icefield in  just over 2 hours at 2:25 am (02:25). Carpathia  would not reach Titanic's position, till 4:00 am (04:00).  There was no sign of the stricken ship, however a signal flare from one of Titanic's lifeboats was spotted.

Carpathia spots signal flare from one of Titanic's lifeboats

Titanic lifeboats approach the Carpathia

Titanic lifeboats approach the Carpathia

The first lifeboat found was no 12, the survivors boarded the Carpathia at 4:00 pm (04:00).

Carpathia rescues survivors

The Carpathia rescued 712 people, the last survivors from boat 12  coming on board at 7:30 am (07:30).

Titanic lifeboat no 6 approaches Carpathia

 

Lifeboat 14 and D approaching Carpathia, 15th April 1912.

 

 Collapsible lifeboat approaches Titanic

Titanic survivors boarding Carpathia

Captain Rostrom set sail for New York from where Carpathia had left 3 days earlier. The closest port was Halifax, Nova Scotia, but that meant sailing through the icefields. Carpathia set sail for New York.

Titanic Survivors on board Titanic

Titanic Survivors on board Titanic

Titanic Survivors on board Titanic with lifeboats

 

Carpathia New York bound