New York - News of Titanic Sinking

The Titanic began sending out distress signals shortly after midnight ships time (22:05 EST). The messages detailed that the ship and had hit an iceberg and requested assistance. News began to circulate.  The first bulletin to arrive at the New York Times reached their office at 01:20 EST an hour before the Carpathia reached the survivors. 

New York Times Newsroom at time of Titanic sinking

The first news that the Titanic had sunk was reported from the SS Carpathia in a telegram to the Associated Press in New York. 

SS Carpathia reports sinking of Titanic

The news of the tragedy started to unfold, more details originating from the SS Olympic when the ship arrived at the the position where Titanic sank. 

Telegram detailing sinking of Titanic

The full extent of the tragedy was not know as the story began to break in the early editions of the newspapers. The New York American was reporting in Times Square that the loss of life was between 1,500 to 1,800.

News of Titanic's sinking Times Square New York

Times Square New York 2016

The New York Times reported that 876 had been rescued , speculating that as many 1,250 had perished. 

New York Times headlines April 16th 1912



New York Times April 16th 1912




New York - White Star Offices Titanic News

The White Star Line's New York Offices were located at 11 Broadway in lower Manhattan.  The building containing White Star, Bowling Green Offices, takes it name from the small park opposite.  

Bowling Green Offices New York
White Star Line New York Office



Bowling Green Offices New York 2019

 Located in "Steamship Row", adjacent were offices of the International Mercantile Marine Company (White Star Line's owners), rivals Cunard, American Line, all conveniently near the United States Customs House.

 

New York US Customs House

 

New York US Customs House 2019 

Today the area is part of the Financial District of Manhattan, the Bowling Green Offices includes the

Bowling Green Bull One wall Street
Financial District  New York 2019

Bowling Green Offices 2019
New York Wine Exchange

As news  circulated that Titanic had hit an iceberg and sunk, crowds started to gather at the White Star Offices in Bowling Green as day broke on the 15th April 1912. Friends and relatives sought news of persons know to be on the Titanic, the offices were filled from rail to rail with anxious people. The crowd grew so big it spilled into the street and into Bowling Green Park. Police officers, including mounted police were deployed to control the crowds.  


White Star Offices crowds and mounted police



IJ Outside Bowling Green Offices 2019

White Star Offices - crowds spill into the street and Bowling Green Park

White Star Offices crowd - Bowling Green Park towards Customs House

 

 Bowling Green Park towards Customs House 2019