62 Sonoma SENATE {Re “TITANIC” DISASTER REPORT or THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE UNITED STATES SENATE FURSUANT 70 S. RES. 283 DIRECTING THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE TO INVESTI- GATE THE CAUSES LEADING 10 THE WRECK OF ‘THE WHITE STAR LINER “TITANIO” ‘roaeTHER wird spercHES ‘THEREON BY SENATOR WILLIAM ALDEN SMITH OF MICHIGAN AND SENATOR ISIDOR RAYNER OF MARYLAND eASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OPFORi In tax Suware or Tan Unrrep Srares, May 28, 1912, Ordered, That the speeches of Mr. Smith of Mi ichigen and Mr. Rayner be printed in connection with the Report of the Itong Disaster, submitted by the Committee on Commerce, asa nets document. Attest Cas. G. Bexxers, ecrelary, By H. M. Rose, Absistant Secretary.CONTENTS. port of comics MiBeabaicat at of om Aipbabetica tof fre class passenger ‘phabotc! of Sr lame eurvivern re de cae acne. List of socond-clasa passengers. Ef Setad ler Paowengereasangad labo GL St sceaclae Feeders sesaed by etxtnahip Tam aF ick eas pasougte (other toes frag) sxabackiog a Sathampoa, Mot is Tia oeiga)gabarking af Southanpion, Ug encore Gentian aad conn) embared i sat a 1 oP ets panaagers wabarked a Ghotboarg. ‘List of third class passengers embarked at Queenstown « Eiko ha Slam Pseoker sncud ty satauhip Carpal Sey tes ans Mecerere Speech of Senator William Alden Szaiéh SPS Gt Eeuaor dor Rayner. BReaaes gasessecen?SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE. WILLIAM ALDEN SMOTH, alehins, Ohermen, GEORGE ©, PERKINS, Catiorla, , M, BEAMONS, Norta Carona JONATHAN BOURNE, Jn, Orpea. FRANCIS 0. NEWLANDS, Rerads, ‘THEODORE B. BURTON, One DUNCAN U. FLETCHER, Fleida. w2p Coxenzss, SENATE. Report ‘8d Session. No. 806, INVESTIGATION INTO LOSS OF S. 8. “TITANIC.” Max 28, 1912 Ordered to be printed. Mr, Sura of Michigan, from the Committee on Commerce, submitted the following REPORT. [Poruant to 8, Res. 283] ‘The Committee on Commerce, which was authorized and directed to inquire into the loss of the British steamship Titanic, respect- fully reports that that duty has been performed, and the committee hhas reached its conclusions thereon. ‘The resolution is as follows: Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce, or a subcommittes thereof, is hereby authorized and directed to investigate the causes leading to the wreck of the White Btar liner Twanie, with ita attendant low of life so shocking to the civilized world ‘Resolved further, That said comunitteo or asubeommittee thereot ia hereby empowered tweummon witness, aeud for persons and papers, to administer oath, and to take such testimony’ as may be necessary to determine the responsibility therefor, with view telsuch logiaticn tn may be necmay fo prevent, at fr ax posible, aay repetition Resolved farther, That the committee shall inquire particulssly into the number of Wfeboats, life raft, and life preservers, and other equipment for the protection of the Diseongers and crew; the number of perwous aboard the Tenia, waether Duse Srerew, and whether adequate inspections were mado of such veeel, in view of tho Insp nimber’of American pamngee traveling over route commonly regarded te dangerous from icebergs; and whether it ts founble for Congress to take steps looking to an international agreement to secure the protection of ees tra, including regula- tion of the eize of ehips and designation of routes. "Revolved further, That in the report of eaid committe it shall recommend such leg- ilation as it shall deem expedient; and the expenses incurred by this investigation tall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers to be approved. by the chairman of eid committee. ‘Attest: Quamses G. Bennerr, Secretary, By HM. Rose, Assatant Secretary. Accordingly the following Senators were appointed as members of the subcommittee: William Alden Smith, Michigan, chairman; George ©. Perkins, Californie; Jonathan Bourne, jr., Oregon; Theodore E. Burton, Ohio; F.M. Simmons, North Carolina; Francis G. Newland: Nevada; Duncan U. Fletcher, Florida. (WITNESSES EXAMINED. ‘We examined 82 witnesses upon various phases of this catastrophe, including the examination of 53 British subjects or residents of Great, Britain and 29 citizens of the United States or residents thereof. 12 INVESTIGATION INTO Loss oF 5, s. ‘ rrTANIC,’” We interrogated 2 general officers of the Intomational Mercantile TAuine Co. which owned the steamship Titanic J: Bruce Ismen ut Hiverpool, England, president, also © passenger on the shin an fkoe Ueztee and P. A. 8. Franklin, of New York, wee presidehtcrs ae United States of the international Mereantile MarineCo:y all roses Tiving officers, 4 in number—Charles Herbert Lightoller, secocs oak ger, of Netley Abbey, Hampshire, England; Think Officce Herbert John Pitman, of Somerset, ‘Bnglend: ‘Fourth Officer Joseph Groles Goxnall of Hull, England,’ and Fifth Officer Harold Godfrey Pee) pf North Wales; ‘and’ 34 members of the crew, whose samen eomes follows: Androvs, ©. 2. asistant steward, 245 Millbrook Road, Southamptoa, ‘Achar, Eruestaeamian, $9 Porenester Haul’ Saute pee Benet Predetck, eeding hromas Gothen Bone We geamas 3 Lovor Canal Wal Southam, ride, H.'s. telegrapher, Londo, Breivo Boght, 4.2, quartermaster, 109 Fitgeve oad, Southampton, sf guaran AOS Pig Ron Soa champ Buley/ 3. seaman, 10 Git Road’ Woskeea ohare Burke, W, toon steward, 67 Bedee Meat eye go sae Gieneh, F seaman, 10 The Flata Chantry Toad, Southcerpton Colin I. cttant cook, €8 Baers ete Gra, & bedroom stoward, 24 Granbury Avenue, Southampton, Gros, G! steward, Bb lon Rand Sor Gunbinghars, As bedtoom mewire 60 Charon Rok vane, Fy ,,esiman, 14 Bond Seat Seater Eichot,H, 8 "bedroot weward, 29 Gorden Aver Southampton Hieat lookout (milon), No, 9 Norman fad Souths Hay, Abe Sesarait ete Nor 8l Give Seat ann Hardy: J. atevard, Gabeith Holyrood agove Heeekee : Hemming, Samuel 8. "atop wimmer, $1 Kigawoy fet Sone Pishens Moher, quivtennaatar 48 James eel, Seathonea i nko alr igh Stror, Soin ols, sama, 63 Woaseld Liverak Moore, 6." sentn, 61 Graham Road, Some on, Olver, quartermaster, $8 Anderion foal” Sotthampton esas, Fseatzan, 48 High Stock Thee don eae Perks, W'A., Guattemmanter, Vict Read, Bitene Southampton, Pitoan, HY: ted offer, Cate Cary. Soman Selah a Hay, F Dig loon steward; Palmer Park Avene Ress eG. quartermaster, 3 Henry Sune test Symote, G. hookout (eile), 85 Franchiee Steet Ber mouth Tavlor W. H. Sreman, No.2 Broad Steet Soulaat oan Ward, W., xidon steward, itr Milbrosk Road Sarecon Wheelin, seloon stamard, Norwood House’ Shirley Sothampton, Widgery, ¥. (baths), 26 Rokeby avesuo, Retlasy Bagot We took the aera of 21 passengers of all classes (including President Ismay) and of 23 other witnesses os subjects related to our inquiry Gucluding Vice President Franklin) . We held our sessi ions in New York and in Washington, and took Peumeny by deposition in other parts of the country and snake Dominion of Canac The results of our investigation may be stated as follows: OWNERSHIP OF STEAMSHIP “rrrANtC. ‘We find that the Titanic was a White Star steamer and wes owned by the Oceanic Steam Navigation Co., of England. all the stock of Tit} company is in turn owned by the International Navigation Oy {14 of England, and the stock of that company, in wuratie owned eu the International Morcan ile Marino Co,, un Amicrican cosporations organized under the laws of New Jersey.INVESTIGATION INTO Loss oF 8, 8, “ grTANIC.’” 8 INTERNATIONAL MERCANTILE MARINE CO. Mr. J. Bruce Ismay, of Liverpool, England, is president of the Intemational Mercantile Marine Co.,’and Mr. b. A'S, Franklin, of Now York City, is vice president of that company in the United States. ‘The board of directors of the International Mercantile Marine Co. is composed of the following persons: ©. A. Griscom, chairman, J, Bruce Ismay, president, E, 0. Grentel Perey Chubb. John’ F. Archbold. EJ. Bervind John I, Waterb Hurcld A Sanderson, ‘Tho Right Hon, Lord Pirie, PAB, Widener. George W. Perkins Charis. Torrey. Charles Stee TP. Morgan, I ‘The International Mercantile Marine Co., through its various ramifications and constituent companies, owns the Whito Star Line, the American Line, the Red Star Lino, the Atlantic Transport Line, the National Line, and the majority of the stock of the Leyland Line. ‘This company is capitalized as follows (in round numbers) : 202,000,000 between tho preferred aud common shares $52,600,000 of 44 per cent bonds $20,000,00 (about) ofS pr cent bonds, 3,000,000 (about) of underiying bonds ‘The total stock and bonded liability is about $180,000,000. ‘This company owns and operates a fleet of about 125 vessels, with 8 total of about 1,150,000 tons register, doing a goneral transoceanic transportation business throughout the world. GENERAL PARTICULARS OF STEAMSHIP “TrrANIC.” The Titanic was built by Harland & Wolff, of Belfast, Ireland. No restriction as to limit of cost was placed upon the builders. She was launched May 31, 1911.; She was a vostel of 46,328 tons register; her length was 882.6 feet, and her breadth was 62.6 feet, Her boat deck and bridge were 70 feet above the water line, Sho was, according to the testimony of President Ismay, “especially constructed to float with her two largest water-tight compartments full of water.” g7 ibs eseh fully equipped, cost £1,500,000 sterling, or about '7 500,000. At the time of the accident the vessel carried insuraneo of £1,000,000 sterling or about. $5,000,000, the remaining risk being carried by the company's insurance fund. The Titanic was a duplicate of the Olympic, which is owned by the same company, with the single exception ‘of her passenger ag- commodations, and was built to secommodate 2,509 passengers, with. additional accommodations for officers and crew numbering 903 persons. TRIAL TESTS STEAMSHIP “rrrANt0.” ‘The committee finds from the evidence that between six and seven hours was spent in making trial tests of this vessel at Belfast Lough on Monday, the Ist day of April last. A few turning circlos were made, compasses adjusted, and sho steamed a short time under4 INVESTIGATION INTO Loss oF g, 8, “ qrTANt0,’” proximately a full head of steam, but tho ship was not driven at het full spood! “One goneral offees of te steamehip company was on board during the trial tests, while the builders were represented by Mr, Thomas Andrews, who had superintended ‘the building at tte Vessel. “Mr. Andrews ‘conducted cartain tests at Southacc Topgagented tho builders both at Southampton and on the fir "With apertial crew, the ship sailed from Belfast, immedi the trial, for Southampton, where she arrived on Wi about midnight. She made fast with her port side te 4 (hero sho remained until April 10, about 12 o'clock noon, wher i sailed for Cherbourg, Queenstown, and New York, ONLY TWo LurEBOATS LOWERED, Many of the crew did not join the ship until a few houre before failing, and the only drill while the veseel lay at Southampton ee on the, voyage consisted in lowering two lifeboats on the sterteace side into the water, which boats were again hoisted to the har gee within a half hour.’ No bo: ating the stations of members several days after sailing from South- Gmpton, boatmen being left in ignorance of their proper stoic until the following Friday morning OERIINICATE OF BRITISH BOARD OF TRADE, On Wednesday morning, the day the ship sailed from Southam ton, Cay Gas ‘dePrmantative of the British Board of ‘Trade, cong, Ahourd and, after spending a, brief time, issued the necenasts certificate to permit sailing. Boat davits and ifeboats of the steamship “Titanic.” The Titanic was fitted with 16 seta of double-acting boat davite of modern type, capable of handling 2 ar 3 boats pe vot of te ‘The davits were thus capable of handling 48 crontet op ot 26 lifeboats and 4 collapsibles,fulig all the te ments of tho British Board of Trade. ‘The Tiarte war provide with 14 lifeboats, of capacity for 65 persons each, or 010 persons; 2 emergency see boats, of capacity for 35 persons eeak on persons; 4 collapsible boats, of ‘pacity for 49 persons each, or 196 persons’ fora, POR eapscity, 1,176. ‘There was ample life belt eq erent for all. DEPARTORE OF THE sTEAMEEIP “rrraNto,” epatip left Southampton Wednesday, April 10, at 12.15 p. m., chip's complement of officers and ren (Geo Bxhibit Ay uum? Piorad, £09 Persons. As the Tianicleft the whart at Southeaway fhe moorings of the New York were carried away by the reeeen from tho Titanic’s starboard propeller, causing « delay of een att an hour, PASSENGER LIST AND SURVIVORS OF STEAMSHIP “rrTANIO,” ‘The Titanic arrived at Cherbourg Inte the same afternoon. The Titanic left Cherbourg and proceeded to Queenstows, Ireland, arriving there on Thursday ‘about midday, departing for New York imme,NS ST r "tits INVESTIGATION INTO Loss OF 8, 8.‘ TITANIC,”” 5 flistely after embarking the mails and passengers, Her passenger list was made up as follows: Prijened oa ida, ee on he Toe: fen Finstclans passenger lot ‘famed tod children. Secopd-clame pasengar who siled on tho Manic: Yonen eaiftrar an Tota... copia *Paange,aurvivon: Total... Secon clam pacer lot: ‘Wom Mea. ‘Total. ‘Third-cleas who auiled on the Tani Women and chile Total. Third-clam pamengers, survivors Women'and biden ‘Third-clase pamsongers lost: ‘Women and cildren. Men. ug CEEIL ar 536 Total... SUMMARY OF PASSENGERS AND SURVIVORS, ioriding tho crew, the Titanic asiled with 2,223 persons aboard, of Whom 1,517 were lost and 706 were saved. “twill be mate ee this sGimection thet 60 per cent of tho first-class passengers Wore seven ‘ABPer cont of the second-class passengers ware saved 25 er cent of the third-lass passengers were saved, and 24 per cent of the wget were saved,THVESTIGATION INTO Loss OF 8, 5, “qynanto,"* he " Ss. 8/2] 8) #] alas a | 2) 8) 8) o] 8 3) SP 'er eters owe 2] 8/3, 3) ape 3 ie ae a (See Exhibit B for full names and addresses of Passengers rescued and passengers lost, p. 43.) © accident occurred. ‘The mes. sage from the commander of the alice seu follows (p. 1061): Steancsumr “Baum,” April 14, 1918, Capt. Siam, Tonic: fn Bawa" Apr, ania bed moderate vatiable winds and clear ne eather since leavi : 20 leaving. Grosk oh nc oT pag cary re gaan nce len ‘Blase $B ser eaede id ea ‘eat night wo mpoke Gerees sy eoe md, = phis, not ‘under control; short. coal; latitude 40.42 north, longi- tude 65.11, {2 be reported to New York and otler stesso you and rine oegond message was recsived by tho itanie from the Cali- ‘ornian, of the Teylend Line, at 5.35 P. m. New York time, Sunday GeeOgD, Feporting ioe “abous 19 mies ee northward of the e Titanic lowing. Thi trace which was foll ‘message Was 3 follows - 735): Tatitude 428 north, longitude 49.0 west. ‘Threo 5 mallet south ot an ogaa e ae 4.9 wat. ‘Toe large bars 6 mato to rand The third mi 2 to Hangmitted from the Amerika via the Titanic and Cape Hace to the Hydrogrephio Office in Washington:CT INVESTIGATION INTO Loss OF 8, 8, “ rrraNto,’” 7 D. C., reporting ice about 19 miles to the southward of the course being’ followed By the Tani, and reade-ce falecw (p. 507): Stuaqemm “Auenmms,” via “Treaxto” ano Care Race, N. F., April 14, 912. Hypnoonarso Orrice, Washington, D. C.: Ameria pasted two lerge icebergs in 41.27 N., 80.8 W., on the 14th of April EN.U.T. ‘This messago was actually received at the Hydrographic Office in ‘Washington at 10.51 p. m., April 14. ‘The fourth message was sent to the Tidanic at 9.05 p. m. New York time, on Sunday, the 14th of April, approximately anthour before the accident occurred. ‘The message reads as follows: We aro stopped and surrounded by ice. To this the operator of the Titanic replied: Shut up. Tam busy Tam working Cape Race. While this was the last message sent by the Californian to, the Titanic, the evidence shows that the operator of the Culijornian kept the telephones on his head, and heard the Tianic talking to Capo Race up to within a few minutes of the time of the accident, when he “‘put the phones down, took off his clothes, and turned in” ‘Tho Baltics operator on that, Sunday overheard ice reports going to tho Titanictrom the Pring Friedrich Wihelm, and frou the aneoee (p, 1061), while the Carpathia on the same day overheard the Parisian talking about ice with other ships (p. 497), ICE BOTH TO NORTHWARD AND SOUTHWARD STEAMSHIP “‘qrraNro's” ‘TRACK. This enables the committee to say that the ice positions so definitely reported to the Titanic Just preceding the accident located ice on both sides of the track or fane which the Titanic was follo ing, and in her immediate vicinity. No general discuasion took place among the officers; no conference was called to consider these warn ings; no heed was given to them, The speed was not relaxed, tho Jookout was not igareased, ant cho only vigilance displayed by the officer of the watch was by instructions to the lookouts to keep * sharp lookout for ice.” Te should be said, however, mony, shows that Capt. Smith remarked to Officer Lightoller, who was the officer doing iuty on the bridge until 10 o'clock ship's time, of 8.27 o'clock New York time, “If it was in a slight degree hazy there would be no doubt wo should have to go very slowly” (p. 67), and “If in the slightest degree doubtful, let me ow." The evi- dence is that it was exceptionally clear. ‘There was no haze, and tho ship's speed was not reduced. SPEED. The speed of the Titanic was gradually increased after leavi Queenstown. ‘The first day's run was 464 miles, the second day's Tun was 519 miles, the third day's run was 646’miles, Just prior to the collision the ship was making her maximum speed of the voy: age—not less than 21 knots, or 24F miles por hour.NN Ss AAALAC Cc 8 INVESTIGATION INTO Loss oF 8, 8. “ zrzanto,"? THE cOLLIstON. At 11.46 p,m, {hip’s timo, or 10.13 p. m. New York time, Sunde eve April 14, the lookout signaled! the bridge and telephoned ie offer 9 the Jae Gt deeberg right ahead.” “The offear cf nee Wateh, Mr. Murdock, immediately otlered ito quartermaster at the Darel fa Put, the heli “hard astarboand:* ecg (Carter the engines; but while the sixth officer standing behind she quartermaster at the Tap Teported to officer Murdock “The hens, Peeee starboard,” the Titante struck the ico (pp. 229 and 460). wis, impact, while not Solent enough to, disturb SRE erm, oF 0 rest the ip’s progress, rol 16 vessel slight] iore the st i above the ‘turn of the bilge, sae aa FIRST DAMAGE RzPORTED, ling oF isting from tho gvertow pipe to he forepeak {any ind o escape of air from that cause of the inrush of water, rctealy a nce, the, fren tank, No. 1 hold, No. 2 hold, Ne, 3 bold, and the forward boiler room diled with water, the sekghold floor plates and about twents: free below the Which tear extonded two feet into theecet bunker at ] end of the second fireroom, ‘water line, the forward SERIOUS NATURE OF DAMAGE REALIZED, iris ports received by the cajitain after various inspections of the NP inust have acquainted him promptie wat gee serious condition, fia Wee imtertogated by President lemey” te #° expressed himself” £6 believed, alao, thet this serious camatton 22, promptly realized by the chief engineer and by the bores representative, Mr. An- "Ws, none of Whom survived, FLOODING OF THE Vzsszr, and deeper into the water, and through the open from the mail room, overflowed E deck, below whieh dace a Be d, fourth, 80 WATER-TIGHT COMPARTMENTS. ip 7 eeanie wes Stted with 15 transverse watertight ulltheads, tied cotati bulkhead trom forward exter aca Se oo er” Imoet PO%, Nygwtended to the second continnre deck, 'D; "and bulkheads Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8 and 0 extended only to the ‘third continuocsINVESTIGATION INTO Loss oF s. 8. “ qrraNto,’” 9 deck, B. | The openings through deck E were not designed for water- fight closing, as the evidence shows tha dookag eee Gace Be {Rbuted largely to tho sinking of tho vessel. ‘The bulkheads alors eseribed divided the ship into 16 main water-tight compartinente: ona the ship was so arranged that any 2 main compartments might be flooded without in any way involving the safety of the ship. As before stated, the testimony shows that the 8 extreme frewees Compartments were flooded practically immediately, and under werk circumstances, by reason of shenonwater-tght character of the deck at which the transverse bulkheads ended, the supposedly water-tight fomPartments were NOT water-tight, and the sinking of the vocal followed. DISTRESS CALLS SENT OUT, DISTRESS CALLS HEARD, aris distress call was hoard by tho wireless station at Cape Race that evening at 10.25 p. m. New York time, togais rath ae report that she had struck an iceberg, and at the same time was accidentally overheard by the Mount Temple, which ship was immediately turned around (p. 760) toward the ‘idante, Winks ‘two or three minutes a. feply was received from the Frankfurt, Within 10 minctes the wire- Jess ‘operator of the Garpathia fortunately and larg aly Gd chance hoard cee panics ©. QD, call (pp. 901 and 929), which he reposted ns ‘once to the bridge and to the captain.: ‘The ‘was immediately famed sound fy. maid eported her latitude and longitude to the "itanic, together with the fact that Was steaming full speed toward the stricken ship (pp. 136 oa 901). ‘The Frankfurd, however, id not give her latitude or longitude, and after waiting 20 ores ‘sphed, the operator of the Titanic, “What is matter! Te mae ies Wnic operator replied that he was a fool (pp. 151 and 1g9}” jin view of the fact that no position had been given hy the rake {uth and that her exact distance from the Titanic wes unoons sea, Ting, the answer of the operator of tho Zitanie was scarcely sek at Frungnce, would have dictated. Notwithstanding this; howevse tes Tredlurt was overheard by the Mount Temple to report “Oveeetters, will go for you” (p. 929). Communication was promptly established with the Olympic and the Baltic (pp. 151, 158, a 901), and’ the 7 Some 800 miles to the eastward, overheard the’ Thisna’s £.Q.D. call. The wireless messages of the Tween were recorded in part by the Cape Race station (p. 175) and bythe Uns Temple {p,829) and in part by the Baltic (pp. 1069 and 1000) we eee fast heard the ‘Wanie after bho accident at 11.47 p. m. New York time (p. 929). ‘The Baltic and the Carpathia lost touch about the same tire, tho last message they received being “Ee Riane, Beoded” (pp. 107 and 1062).” ‘The Vatginias last beret ivy Fianbe signals at 12.27 New York time, and reported them lured, and ending abruptly (p. 175).10 INVESTIGATION INTO Loss oF 5, §, ‘Trrawto,’? ‘FIRST PRESS REPORT, ‘This information is contained in a report received by the Associated nist fom Cape Beco, and communicated tyr these oy Publi and also to Vico resident Franklin of the White Star Line, and later ‘Verified from his office in Mont 1, as follows (p. 1023): ofa teea ieee The wéather was talm and clea tho ise Irteles operator reported, and gave spied Seca Ae ee cre wt om Menasha te hemi wis era aS fe Frc so ‘The Viyinian at midnight was oe alo dna othe a ata one ears ene Biber met ta mig nt ase, Py mi red aed ‘ag making all possible speod towacd kere . Bio lat gael from tho Muse sacs the Virginian at 12.27 «ra, ane eles operator on the Virgina ae signals were bluzzed and ended ‘abruply. VESSELS IN VIOINITY OF sreausm “nrrayto," At this time the committee thinks i to the reported positions of the when her calls of distress were The Californian, of the Leyland 42* 05" north, longitude 50° 07" weat Giepetion 194 mlles according to the puptainy . 717). jig Mount Temple, of the Canadas begs Railroed line, west bound) was in latitude 41° 26’ monte nee eoe 51°14" west, and was about 49 miles to the westward of the vic (bp. 759 and’760) and ongyetfetum to the THanie's position pase unknown schooner. ‘The Carpathia, of the Canard Lt ; i , and she steered a course north 62° wet 0 reach’ the Titanic (p. 20), The Birma, « Russian ship, was 70 miles off at 12.25 a.m, on Mon- day, the 15th of April (pp. 780 and omay Th Frankfurt, of the Korth German bloga Line, east-bound, was in letitude 39° 47’ north, longltede nate west, 153 miles to the southwest (p. 772), The Gritign at midnight was sbout 170 miles distant from the Titante (p. 175). ang eit, ofthe White Star Line, east bound, was about 243 miles Suthgut of the Gtigs Position at about 1 o hock Suh evening, few Yor! . 1058). ork ovis of the White Star Line, east-bound at 12.14, Now York time, was about'12 miles te tk westward, in latitude 46° 29° north, longitude 61° 18" west (@- S71,INVESTIGATION INTO LOSS OF 8, 8, “* TITANIC.’” i STEAMSHIP LIGHT SEEN FROM STEAMSHIP “TITANIC.” Sixteen witnesses from the Titanic, including officers and experi- enced seamen, and passengers of sound judement, testified to seeing {he liga of ahp In the: latanco, and soln of the Hoste ware irected to for that light, to leave the passengers and to return to tho side of the Zuanicr ‘the Twonie ffed distress rockete and attempted to signal by electric lamp and Morse code to this vessel. At about the same time the officers of the Californian admit seeing rockets in the general direction of the Titanic and say that they immediately displayed a powerful Morso lamp, which could be easily seen a distance of 10 miles, while several of the crew of the Cali- Jernian esti thatthe sido lights of large veel going at full speed ‘wore plainly visible from the lower deck of the Californian at, 11.30 p.m, ship’s time, just before the accident. There is no evidence ‘thet any rockets were fired by any vessel between the Titanic and the Californian, although every eye on the Titanic waa searching the horizon for possible assistance. THE sTEAMsmr “CALIFORNIAN'S”” RESPONSIBILITY. ‘Tho committee is forced to the inevitable conclusion that the Cali- ernian, controlled bythe samo company, was nearer the TWanig than ‘the 19 miles reported by her captain, and that her officers and crew saw the distress signals of the ‘and failed to respond to them in accordance with the dictates of humanity, international usage, and the requirements of law. ‘only reply to the distress signals was a counter signal from e. lange white light which was flashed for nearly two hours from the mast of the Californian. In our opinion such conduct, ‘whether arising from indifference or gross carelessness, is most reprehen- sible and plaoss upon the commander the Colifornian a graverespon, sibilly. The wiraless operator df the Californian was not aroused unt 3.30 a. m., Now York time, on the morning of the 15th, after consider- able conversation between officers and members of tho crow had taken place sboard that ship regarding those distress signals or rockets, and Fras directed by the chief otficer to seo if there was anything the iaat- ter, es a ship had been firing rockets during the night (p. 736). The inquiry thus set on foot immediately disclosed the fact that the Titanic stink. Had assistance been promptly proffered, or had the wire- less operator of the Californian remained a few minutes longer at his post on Sunday evening, that ship might have had the proud distinction of rescuing the lives of the pastengers and crew of the Titanic. INTERNATIONAL SIGNALS OF DISTRESS AT SEA. ‘The committee deems it important to emphasize the mesning of ignals of distress and includes in its report the international code, which is as follows: Stoxate oF Disras ‘When 2 veal is in distress and requires assistance trom other vessels or from the shore the fellowing sail beth signals to be wed cr Guplayed by hor, eter fogsthor ‘or eoparnialy:IL LLL ice, 12 TIVESTIGATION INTO Loss oF g, g, TITANtG,”? The niezational code sip of ste indicated by NO. 3 pein relive signa rd at nara of boa nisute, ‘Tee datant gaa Of MNES Bg, Having citer shove or blow ita thing resblingw ba rh erg bal it upward, baving either above itor vel tite ea aa ag fat Pla VA cotinsot candy aay po *pperatun me most noticeable, There ata; there was great inde: to be loaded; thera icy 2 UrEpoaT Davions, Had the sea beon rough it ia luestionable whether any of the outs of the Tianée wees have reacho she water with damaged or destroyed, wth Point of suspension of ‘the oT MILD" fe ets of dace cies ad, a PA a oer iadINVESTIGATION INTO LOSS OF 8, 8 “f TITANIC.’? 18 boats was about 70 fect above the level of tho sea. Had tho ship been rolling heavily the lifeboats as thoy wore lowered would have swung out from the side of the ship as it rolled toward them and on the return roll would have swung back and crashed against its side. It is ovidont from the testimony that as the list of the Titanic be- came notices the Meboste scraped against the high sido as they were being lowered. Every effort should be made to improve boat- handling devices, and to improve the control of bouts while being lowered. CONFLICT IN LIFEBOAT REPORTS, In the reports of the survivors there are marked difforences of opinion as to the number carried by each lifeboat. In lifeboat No. 1, for instance, one survivor reports 10 in all. The seaman in cht reports 7 of the crew and 14 to 20 passengers (p. 574). The officer who loaded this boat estimated that from 5 to ¢ ‘women and 22 men wore aboard (pp. 404 and 405). Accepting the minimum report as made by any one survivor in every boat, the total far exceeds the actual number picked up by the Carpathia. NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN PASSENGERS. ‘Tho testimony is definite thet, except in isolated instances, there wasno panic. In loading boats no distinction was made between first, second, and third class passengers, although the proportion of lost larger among third-class pi 78 than in either of the other classe Women end children, without discrimination, were given preference. ‘Your committee believes that under proper discipline the survivors could have been concentrated into fewer boats after reaching the water, and we think that it would have been possible to have saved any liveshad those in charge ofboats thusreleased returned promptly ‘he scene of tho disasters mi to conpucr oN LirEBOATS. After lowering, several of the boats rowed many hours in the direction of the lights supposed to have been displayed by the Gebsfornian, Other boats lay on their oars in the Vicinity of the inking ship, a few survivors being rescued from the water. After distributing ‘his passengers, among the four other boats which he had herded together, and after the cries of distress had died away, Fifth Officer Lowe, in boat No. 14, went to the scene of the wreck and rescued four living passengers from the water, one of whom after: wards died in the lifeboat, but was identified. ' Officer Lowe then set sail in boat No. 14, took'in tow one collapsible boat, and proceeded to the rescue of pas on another collapsible lifeboat. ‘The men who had taken refugo on the overturned céllapsible life- boat wore rescued, including Second Officer Lightollor and. passen- ers Gracie and Thayor, and Wireless Operators Bride and iis, By lifeboats No.4 and No 12, before the erieal ot the Conporhar fourth collapsible lifeboat was rowed to the side of the Carpathia, and gonteined 28 women and children, mostly thind-clasy possenges, 3 firemen, 1 steward, 4 Filipinos, President Ismay, and Mr. Carter’ of Philadelphia, and was in charge of Quartermaster Rowe. 8, Rept, 806, 62-22teens 14 INVESTIGATION INTO Loss OF 8, 8, “ arranzo,”” sar sivxine. ‘The ship went down greduslly by the bow, assuming an almost Perporgticular position just beforo sinking at 12.47 aan Newiane Hime, April 15. ‘There have boon many conilcting sicmiNe™ 8s to Tame tho ship broke in two, but the preponderante sfeemtse e to the effect that she assumed an elses serePe® Position and sank intact. No svorion, 2 fe. committee deems it of suficiont importance to cll attention to the fact that as the ship disappoared under the water in no Tebtineonuctign oF unusual disturbance of the surface of the este> rareony is abundant that while sho was going down thore wee {uuiclent suction to bo manifest to any'of tho witnesses sho wes eo dapaztter, oF on the overturned collapsible boat or es tee fosting or eaiscr £0 the occupants ofthe lifeboats in the vicinity oft E oF to prevent those in the water, whothor quipped with lite bolte of aakisom cusly ewimming away from the ehipe aide wate Beet sinking, CAPTAIN RosTRON. The committee invites your attention to the course followed by Captain Rostron, commanding the Carpathia, “Imcoute tely upon the Teooipt of the wireless call of distiees Ceptain Rostron’ gave the Frese fare the ship around and set a dehnite cece wey the Titanic and instructed the chief eaette ‘another watch of Stokers and make all possible spoed to that skip’ seeoaring the possible prosenceofice, because cf the collision, Capt Roatron doubled his lockout seg soe ee extra vigilance, putting an extra lookout on duty forward andhavi ‘another oficer og the bridge, Bg oeptain immediately instructed tho fast othees re “prepare all our patbouts and have thom all ready for turning outbosea ag further Sas of the different departments and issued the falter ing opts Which the committee doom of eufficiont impo rce ec quote in full: i er lh deo deg om Het tia du yom ee se JESS UC Re emanate dey a mie oie elaltene alae ere gemma nn feo rar ic otc sere on Seer eu ear SoS See Hite ret etme penton meee ree Set seat cat re ey rae ‘ands would be called and to have coffe, ote, ready to serve out to all our crow. Have coffee, tea, soup, ete., in each saloot Dlankets in saloons, at the gangways, “He tte ot eerie ” Cr re secone yt age etn rand = ovgaeange pusengty preted ag are soouy nat St 6s aloy way forum ou own pamonger, shuld tng ‘Inquire about note fn getting out Betta te. oF he working of enginta zoe —— LL tall na INVESTIGATION INTO Loss oF 6, 8,“ TTTANIC,”” 15 ii Fy ate oi ety et ipa ents fh Calo! and at collicers: All the hands to be callad; get coffee, ate. Prepare and Hy Pacer caren ners PAGEEREDEE seh prey andrei, : Peck re Sawa date noe ak mar cathe canvas anh bags for eblidren, Cargo falls with both ends clear; bowlines in the ends and highta secured along snips rons ope bap pons ohne lines disttbuted along the ship's side and guakets handy new gangwaya "-orrard Berets “spre vezot nd steam on winches; alo told off officer for dalrlaed company re be et 2 a.m. and every quatro wn hove ater to reamure Tonic tbs gommittes deams eee followed by Captain Rostronof the as ing of the highest praise and worthy of especi rgaiens Capa Neate A cies a oreo ered He doubled his fookouto, doubled Lis tito. foree, and notwith- standing such risk pushed his ship at her very highest limit of tho many dangers of the night to the ~ Yeosol. His detailed instractons ianted ar of the Titanic are a marvel of systematic ess, evincing such solicitude as calls for ‘The precautions he adopted enabled him to and around icebergs until he the vicinity of , up the Titanic’s lifeboats wit hs engines at Svideeh a a 164 es at 4 o'clock in the ‘zaidont, whore he proceeded te peek survivors, 1 ON THE SCENE OF THE WRECK. The first boat was picked up at 4:10 a, m. Monday, end the last of the survivors was on board by 8.30 a. m., after which Ceptain Rostron made arrangements “to hold service, a short prayer of thankfulness for those rescued, and a short burial service for those who ware lost.” ‘Upon the arrival of the Califernian upon tho scone, about 8 o'clock in the morning, the captain of the Carpathia communicated with her commander, stating that all of the passengers had been rescued from the boats but that he thought one was still unaccounted for; and arrangements were made whereby the Californian made an exhave, tive search in the vicinity for this missing boat. Captain Rostron stated thet the Carpathia picked up 15 lifeboats and 2 collapsible boats. Evidence was given before the commitics . by at least one occupant of every lifeboat, satisfying the committee . that the 16 lifeboats with which’ the Titanic was equipped were all accounted for, Thirteen of these lifeboats were hoisted on board snd carried to New York by the Carpathia, After arranging for a thorough search of the icinity by the Cali- fornian, Captain Rostron headed his vessel for New York, reporting ‘pumodiataly by wireless to the officials of his company in New ‘York, as follows: New. Yong, latitude 4146; longitude 60.20 wost.—Am proceoding New York unm SRST rca sos Gl rt saad st My a om 0 wach foo about, consider New ‘York fest Largo trate icebergs, and 20 miles Held ice with berpeaseneRL 16 INVESTIGATION INTO Loss oF 8. 8, “ q1ranto,”” BODIES Nor VisrBLE, ‘The committee directa attention to the fact. that Captain Rostron, Sans 2 ferBathia, although four hours in the vicinity of ake accident’ Saw only one body, and that Captain Lord, of ai Californian, who . failure of tree Dou im the vicinity of the wreckage, say ame” Re failure of the captain of the Carpatita, of the capicis the Catifone pian, and of the captain of the Moun? Tem to find bodies floating in that vicmity in the early morning of the dey following can only be accounted for on the theory that those wie went down With the ship iter did not rise to the surface or were came! oo y or hidden by the extansive ice floe which during ‘the night teem or over the ot where the ship diseppesred, while those bodies which have been saund remote from the place where the ship went dower probably SEerigd ewey from the soone by the currents or hy Gee reese of 6 ice, WIRELESS sEnvice, Numerous wireless messages of an official character were given to the operator on the Cary y morning, April 15, with explicit instructions from the them immediately, and, i necessary, relay through other vessels” Cay tain Hosteon'e testimony on this point before the committee on Apri is, 1912, the day following his arrival in New ‘York, is unquali- fied upon this point, and is as fellows: 2 ovary meangermgtneaneat I took chugs ofthe whole thing and aed onde {bat every mesige sent would bo ent tudor futher tnd ne Tho begeenmtporized by mo. My orders were. Funk ofal oh ‘two official mesangea, ie two oficial messages were to the Guaart Go and th White Star Co., a reps ras etieane aes a had potion approstnate ube of ngs Eat i resting Yew Yee piscine te Star da the ober eue our company, of couse, ra rk unleas Bre cna Cad coat, ogg San a sooner ‘Alter those ter Pinetialy in ryippovedig Geen ta teow Me esata ioe fiat ee eae ees nee i deerme Sa ae ate ee sau ayn ne SiTprivato meager sect Be Paueogen fiat in the order in which thes oon he Spaeern te pec The question having arisen as to the authorit; exercised over the operator of the Cary ia, the chairman of the subcommittes sent the following cablegram to Captain Rostrons ne New ows, = cpt nt ety Bo yar er Yo cy seeelty entry Bn oat aes Ban Beare ste ornatelyTT INVESTIGATION INTO Loss oF &. 8. “ qrranto.’” 17 telyed trough other ship elation, Algo whatber operator was lrbdn by you to Siemuniaia eck omge or any other Zoeseage te a ep an me and ;, nd wholher operator eae proveatot Hy you tea ening Art 1 Sh cara ake a event collet to me, Washington Wastiw Auoes Sure, . Chairmen Senate Subcom, . And received the following reply: Greaizan, tay 15,1918. Seoator Wrtay Auony Sure, ‘Senate Subcom, Washington: AEs le tes hgh Ser To tery spt lv ou ig orang, 18th, afer colton rin abe oS ae aay further paral later.” Broce lamey. Bee” aa, "Bance rus low of tpend fy which f grated. “As fe wes otal Seat fine our pur etl hm ale soe sega ene Hany eal Le Apal" Memage given to pumeraitreeee Tb Dumer took message to 0 Sakae Rsonaly"ah gov ay portion to eaTany Soe memagt 2 Open Reasicieae genes Bey dap "Oe centy eth etd et osgble oe fica memag, tance wrvveny, des sue on see Geng powtconyeest meas "By Glyn verona ay coupe oma Liverpool, and New York, White Siar" sed Bisa memages, Tumay's, almost identical Ter, ming: worked Olympic as loag as'powsible. Omiy taesagra prevented sending ron Retire ea. Ge i aga yl 10.40 p. m. Notwithstanding the specific instructions of the captain to the wireless operator on the morning of April 15 regardit the trans- mission of Mr. Tamaye message. oo rankein in New $04 the evidence shows st the message in question was not receives Hat renldlin until about 9 o'clock Wednesday morning, Aeat"e }¢ original message, in the possession of the committee, shows thi fg Message was transmitted from the Carpathia, Apri 7 or it fax. Our investigation discloses the fact that the message was de- preted to Mr. Franklin in New York prompiy aftor ite nasser'es oe Postal Telegraph & Cable Co, ‘The message in question is a4 follows: Stmaxomy Canrarmss, April 17, 1018 (via Halifee), Inzrnanx, ¥. ¥. 0. 3 SERU, ze avina you Tans sank this morning, alter collision iceberg, revue ng ane. Rh are a Bruce Isuar. {This message was received by Mr. Franklin in Now York abeut : 9a, m, Apr iz. PUBLIC INFORMATION. ‘The reeord furthor discloses the first official information con- cert the disaster communicated to the public by the officials of the White Star Line was received from Capt. Brutcbc? city? Olympic, at 6.16 p. m. Mon lay, April 15, as follows: a reached TWanie’s pot real, “Found boate and wreckage only. iol Tosa ace in day bea north, 60.14 went, "All bas beads epunted for “About 68 souls saved crew and pase str eal al women frnign reraintg a ‘with eurvivon’ please inane Bones Hapboee, Notwithstanding this information i that company, a telegram was sent to Heprosn— _—< UZ Ocean cattintteeaateattaie 18 TAVESTIGATION INTO Loss oF 8, 8, “ qyzawto,”” Huntington, W. Va,, dated New York, April 15, 1912, reading as follows: auleafe’” Prowding to Halitr, Pasengos will probably land there ‘Wednesday ‘tafe, thor trai ind Rowover, that this message was fanned Gf fhe Western Union branch office in the aesc te ig 28 the offices of the White Star Lino, 11 Broadway, ery P.m.,on that day, but oF enett Wholly in doubt as to the parson mao Pony ie" the purpose saeke author in sonding such a message," Wincee aaa? this message, under the circumstanoss i guilty of the most serena conduct, INFORMATION WiTEEELD, ‘The conamitte does not believe that the wiseles perator on the Garpathia showed Yistlence in handling the important were confided to his care after Hous lent.. Information coucesvi an dent ft gen had boon used by « wirdless seen Prior to this accident for his own advantage, “That such procedure had been per The dep oette Marconi Co, may have hed ite feerme Med occasion, The disposition of officials of the Marcens Ge of Permit this practice and tte fact of that company's represemiss yet Pees the arrange- and Corpastis le. of the experiences of the opersne ee Titanic and tg subjects the participants to eritcins age ractice should be Prohibited. The committee are pleased to note that Mr, 'coni approves of such Prohibition, RECOMMENDATIONS, Mercantile Meine OY, Se ies lefinitely stated to the committee (p, 985): a a typo sl te raat ae ld dg haymnvsTIGATION INTO LOSS OF §. 8. TITANIC.’” 19 to life boats should be drilled in lowering and rowing the boats, not less than twice each month and the fact of such drill or practice should be noted in the log. ‘The committeo recommends the essigument of passengers and crew to lifeboats before sailing; that occupants of certain groups of state- rooms and the stewards of such groups of rooms be assigned to certain boats most conveniently located with reference to the rooms in question; the assignment of boate and the shortest route from state- oom to boat to be posted in every stateroom. ‘The committee recommends that every ocean steamship carrying 100 or more passengers be required to carry 2 electric searchlights, ‘The committee finds that this catastrophe makes, glaringly ‘apparent the necessity for regulation of radiotelegraphy. ‘There must be an operator on duty at all times, day and night, to insure tho immediate receipt of all distress, waming, or other important calls. Direct com- munication either by clear-spealcing telephone, voice tube, or messen- ger must be provided between the wireless room and the bridge, so \at the operator does not have to leave his station. There must be definite legislation to prevent interference by amateurs, and to joure secrecy of radiograms or wireless messages. There must be some source of auxiliary poet, either storage battery or oil engine, to insure the operation of the wireless installation until tho wireless room is submerged. ‘The committee recommends the early passage of S. 6412, already passed by the Senate and favorably reported by the House, ‘The committee recommends that the firing of rockets or candles on the high seas for any other purpose than as a signal of distress be made @ misdemeanor. . ‘The committe recommends thatthe folowing additional structural requirements be required as regards oean-going passenger stoamens the construction of which is begun after thie data, All steal qooun and constwvisn seagoing ships carving 100 or more passengers should have a water-tight skin inboard of the outside plat- ing, extonding not less then 10 per oent of the load draft above the fallload waterline, either in the form of an inner bottom ot of lone, tudinal water-tight bullcheads, and this construction should extend from the forward collision bulkhond over not less than two-thirds of fhe length of the ship. i ‘All steel ocean and coastwise soagoing ships carrying 100 or more passengers should have bulltheads so spaced that any two adjacent, compartments of the ship may be flooded without destroying the flotability or stability of the ship. Wator-tight transverse bulkheads should extend from side to side of the ship, attaching to the outside shell. The transverse bulkheads forward and abaft the machinery spaces should be continued water-tight vertically to the uppermost continuous structural deck. The uppermost continuous structural deck should be fitted water-tight. Bulkheads within the limits of the machinery spaces should extend not less than 26 per cont of the draft of the ship above the load waterline and should end at a water- tight deck. All water-tight bulkheads and decks should be propor- tioned to withstand, without material permanent deflection, a water ressure equal to 5 feet more than the full height of the bulkhead. Buikheads bf novel dimensions or scantlings should be tested by being subjected to actual water pressure.