15 Questions About the RMS 'Titanic,' Answered

For more than a century, the RMS Titanic has captivated our collective consciousness. It stands as a testament to both the heights of human innovation and the consequences of human error. As a colossal symbol of ambition, overconfidence, and dreams, the Titanic met its tragic end on its maiden voyage, leaving a profound mark on history and our shared memory. 

Below, you’ll find answers to 15 frequently asked questions about this legendary vessel.

1. Who constructed the Titanic?

The RMS Titanic was constructed by Harland & Wolff, a shipbuilding company based in Northern Ireland. Designed by general manager Alexander Carlisle and naval architect Thomas Andrews, the firm, established in 1861, continues to operate to this day.

2. What was the length of the Titanic?

The ship measured roughly 882.5 feet (269 meters) in length and 92.5 feet (28.2 meters) at its broadest point. To put it in perspective, it was as long as 11 blue whales and as wide as one.

3. What was the departure point of the Titanic, and what was its destination?

On its maiden and only voyage, the RMS Titanic departed from Southampton, England. It made stops in Cherbourg, France, and Queenstown, Ireland, before setting course for its ultimate destination: New York City.

4. How many passengers and crew were aboard the Titanic?

Following the stops in Cherbourg and Queenstown, where passengers both boarded and disembarked, the Titanic carried over 2200 people, including passengers and crew. The precise number remains uncertain, as various sources provided slightly differing figures during the investigations into the disaster. Notably, the ship was not operating at full capacity.

5. Did any famous individuals travel on the Titanic?

As a premier luxury liner, the Titanic hosted many prominent figures of the time. Among them was the spirited socialite Margaret "Molly" Brown, whose bold personality and resilience made her one of the fortunate survivors.

John Jacob Astor IV, the richest passenger aboard, was found with $2400 on his person after he perished from the cold while clinging to a raft. Isidor Straus, co-owner of Macy's and a former U.S. Congressman, along with his wife Ida, also met their fate with the ship, as did its architect, Thomas Andrews. While many elite figures were onboard, others, like the musicians who played as passengers evacuated, gained fame due to the tragedy.

6. On what date did the Titanic sink?

The Titanic departed England on April 10, 1912, and met its fate five days later, on April 15, 1912. It struck an iceberg around 11:40 p.m. on April 14 and sank two hours and forty minutes later, at 2:20 a.m. on April 15.

7. Where exactly did the Titanic sink?

The Titanic went down roughly 400 nautical miles south of Newfoundland, Canada.

8. What caused the Titanic to sink?

Despite receiving multiple ice warnings, the Titanic maintained a speed of 22.5 knots (close to its top speed) and could not maneuver swiftly enough to avoid an iceberg directly in its path. The ship grazed the iceberg, breaching at least five of its 16 watertight compartments designed to prevent flooding. This allowed a massive influx of water, leading to its eventual sinking.  

9. How many lifeboats were available on the Titanic?

The Titanic was equipped with 16 lifeboats and four collapsible Engelhardt lifeboats, providing space for a total of 1178 people. Interestingly, this number surpassed the British Board of Trade's regulations at the time, which were based on smaller passenger ships requiring fewer lifeboat accommodations.

10. What was the death toll from the Titanic disaster?

Out of the more than 2200 individuals onboard the Titanic, approximately 1500 lost their lives when the ship sank.

11. How many individuals survived the tragedy?

A total of 705 people survived the sinking of the Titanic, including the youngest passenger, Millvina Dean, who was just 2 months old at the time.

12. Who was responsible for discovering the Titanic?

In 1985, a team headed by oceanographer Robert Ballard located the wreckage of the Titanic during a classified naval mission aimed at locating two submerged nuclear submarines. The U.S. Navy had not explicitly authorized the search for the Titanic, and its discovery raised concerns that the ensuing publicity might expose their true mission.

13. Who currently owns the Titanic?

This is a complex issue. According to Admiralty Law, shipwrecks in international waters are considered ownerless. However, the U.S.-based RMS Titanic, Inc. asserts its status as salvor-in-possession. As a result, while souvenirs from the ship can be sold elsewhere, they would likely be confiscated in the United States.

14. Is it possible for people to visit the Titanic wreck site?

In theory, anyone can visit the wreckage, which lies around 12,500 feet—or roughly 2.37 miles—beneath the ocean's surface. However, such an expedition would cost over $250,000 per day, as it demands specialized equipment, advanced diving skills, and significant bravery.

15. Does a Titanic Museum exist?

For those who can't afford the $250,000-plus price tag for a deep-sea expedition, numerous Titanic museums around the world offer a glimpse into its history. Beyond the largest Titanic museum experience in Belfast (the ship's birthplace), artifact exhibitions can be found in places like Las Vegas and Halifax, Nova Scotia (where many unidentified victims were laid to rest). Additionally, the U.S. is home to two RMS Titanic half-replicas—one in Branson, Missouri, and another in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, near Dollywood—featuring detailed recreations and authentic artifacts from the ship.