Report into the Loss of the SS Titanic: A Centennial Reappraisal

Report into the Loss of the SS Titanic is a complete re-evaluation of the loss of Titanic based on evidence that has come to light since the discovery of the wreck in 1985. This collective undertaking is compiled by eleven of the world's foremost Titanic researchers – experts who have spent many years examining the wealth of information that has arisen since 1912. Following the basic layout of the 1912 Wreck Commission Report, this modern report provides fascinating insights into the ship itself, the American and British inquiries, the passengers and crew, the fateful journey and ice warnings received, the damage and sinking, rescue of survivors, the circumstances in connection with the SS Californian and SS Mount Temple, and the aftermath and ramifications that followed the disaster. The book seeks to answer controversial questions, such as whether steerage passengers were detained behind gates, and also reveals the names and aliases of all passengers and crew who sailed on Titanic's maiden voyage. Containing the most extensively referenced chronology of the voyage ever assembled and featuring a wealth of explanatory charts and diagrams, as well as archive photographs, this comprehensive volume is the definitive 'go-to' reference book for this ill-fated ship. Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- Foreword -- Preface -- 1 Introduction -- Background and Purpose -- Questions to be Addressed -- A Note About References -- 2 Two Nations, Two Inquiries -- The American Inquiry -- The Board of Trade -- The Origins of the British Inquiry -- The Conduct of the Inquiries -- Findings of the Inquiries -- 3 Description of the Ship -- The White Star Line -- Overall Specifications of the Vessel -- Watertight Subdivision and Floodable Lengths -- Decks and Accommodation -- Access of Passengers and Crew to the Boat Deck -- Structure of the Vessel -- Watertight Bulkheads, Doors and Double Bottom -- Side Doors and Accommodation Ladder -- Masts and Rigging -- Lifesaving Appliances -- Working Arrangement of the Ship -- Navigation Lights -- Electrical Installation -- Communications and Signalling -- Arrangement of Machinery and Pumps -- Plate Section -- 4 Passengers and Crew / Lost and Saved -- 5 Account of the Ship's Journey Across the Atlantic -- Sailing Orders -- The Route Followed and Speed of the Ship -- Time Changes that Took Place -- Weather Encountered Along the Route - George Behe -- Ice Messages Received -- Actions Taken or Not Taken to Avoid Ice -- Visibility Conditions Encountered Sunday Night -- The Row About Missing Binoculars -- The Collision -- 6 Description of the Damage to the Ship -- Extent and Nature of the Damage Caused by the Allision -- Flooding in the Early, Middle and Latter Stages -- Effect of the Flooding on the Ship's Stability -- Stresses Imposed on the Hull and the Observed Breakup -- Fire Down Below -- Location and Time of Foundering -- The Wreck Site -- 7 An Account of the Saving of those on Board -- Order Given to Clear the Boats -- Order Given to Get Passengers on Deck and Wearing Lifebelts -- Order Given to Load the Boats with Women and Children -- Access to the Lifeboats Samuel Halpern has written widely on Titanic and often used the 1912 wreck report as a source of reference. It occurred to him one day how fascinating it would be if a team of dedicated, passionate, and expert authors were to issue a modern day report, with the knowledge we have today--what would such a report look like? In this book we have the answer. Following the basic layout of the report, this team provides fascinating insights into the ship herself, the American and British inquiries, the passengers and crew, the fateful journey and ice warnings received, the damage and sinking, protocol and process of rescue, the circumstances in connection with the SS Californian and SS Mount Temple, and the aftermath and ramifications around the world