Remembering the Tragedy of the Titanic: 112 Years On

By Joe Aura,

aurajoe6@gmail.com

15/04/1912 , 112 years ago, one of the most infamous maritime disasters in
history shook the world: the sinking of the RMS Titanic. With sombre reflection, we
commemorate the lives lost and the lessons learned from this tragic event.
The Titanic, a marvel of its time, was constructed at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast,
Ireland. Its grand hull, launched into the River Lagan on May 31, 1911, symbolized human
ingenuity and ambition. Over 100,000 spectators bore witness to its majestic unveiling, unaware
of the fate that awaited the ship.

The cost of building the Titanic was staggering, amounting to $7,500,000 in 1912. Adjusted for
inflation, this figure would be equivalent to approximately $166,000,000 today. Ironically, this
sum pales in comparison to the budget of the iconic 1997 film adaptation by James Cameron, a
testament to the enduring fascination with the Titanic’s story.

Tragedy struck on April 15, 1912, as the Titanic, during its maiden voyage from Southampton to
New York City, collided with an iceberg in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. Within hours,
the unsinkable ship succumbed to the relentless embrace of the ocean, claiming the lives of over
1,500 souls and leaving a haunting legacy of loss.

The Titanic carried a diverse array of individuals, totalling 2,224 passengers on its ill-fated
journey. From wealthy elites in first class to hopeful immigrants in steerage, the ship was a
microcosm of society, united in both luxury and peril. Among the notable passengers were
American socialite Margaret Brown and real estate investor Colonel Archibald Gracie IV, their
stories forever intertwined with the ship’s tragic fate.

In the annals of cinematic history, James Cameron’s 1997 film “Titanic” stands out as a moving
tribute to the Titanic’s lasting influence. The film, starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio,
expertly conveyed the grandeur of the ship, the chaos of its sinking, and the emotional love story
that emerged amidst the tragedy. The film won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and
Best Director, ensuring that the Titanic’s memories would live on for future generations.