The Titanic sank within three hours of hitting an iceberg. The lifeboats could only hold 2% of the passengers.
The Titanic sank into the icy Atlantic exactly 109 years ago. The tragedy claimed 1,635 lives in April 1912 on its journey from Southampton to New York.
It was the largest ship in the world, as well as the fastest ocean-liner. Its speed and safety were rooted in its engineering superiority. The passengers ate on plates made of the finest porcelain. Diners were regaled by a live orchestra. The first-class tickets cost US$4,350 (US$115,000 or $154,000 in today’s money).
