User:Msiddalingaiah/RMS Titanic

The RMS Titanic sank on its maiden voyage upon collision with an iceberg. Roughly three hours passed from the time of collision to the reported sinking. The lack of sufficient life boats, inability of the crew to deal with the disaster, and very low water temperature contributed to significant loss of life.

Given the conditions after collision, were there any other options? I suggest several possible alternatives.

Iceberg as lifeboat

After collision, captain Smith ordered full stop. The ship probably continued to drift for several miles more. Several boiler rooms and the engine room were still operational. It is likely the Titanic could have reversed course and headed for the iceberg. Sufficient time should have available to allow many of the passengers and crew to climb aboard the iceberg and stay out of the freezing waters until help arrived. The ship would still have been lost, but many more passengers and crew could have survived.

Ram the iceberg

A more daring and risky proposition might have been used to save the ship entirely. Upon reversing course, the ships bow could have been rammed head on into the iceberg. If engines were run while pushing the iceberg, it might be possible for the iceberg to offer sufficent bouyency to keep Titanic afloat.

Hunt down the Californian

The SS_Californian was reported to be with 15 miles of the Titanic at the time of collision. Given the available engine power and relatively short distance, it is possible the Titanic could have made a direct course towards the Californian. Even at a modest speed of 15 knots, the Titanic could have reached the Californian in less than an hour.

Madhu Siddalingaiah