Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 April 1912 — STATEMENT BY THE SURVIVORS [ARTICLE]

STATEMENT BY THE SURVIVORS

They Tell of Inadequacy of LifeSaving Appliance on Titanic. ASK FOR INTERNATIONAL LAW Would Have All Nations Compel Steamship Companies to Carry a Sufficient Number of Lifeboats for All. New York, April 19.—The following statement issued by a committee of the surviving passengers was given the press on the arrival of the Carpathia: * We,' the undersigned surviving passengers trom the steamship Titanic, in order t,o forestall any sensational or exaggerated statements, deem it our duty to give to the press a statement of facts which have coma to our knowledge and which we believe to be true. On Sunday, April 14, 1912, at about 11:40 p. m., on a cold, starlight night in a smooth sea and with ho moon, t,he ship struck an iceberg which had been reported to the bridge by lookouts, but not early enough to avoid collision. Steps were taken to ascertain the damage and save passengers and ship. Orders were given to put on life belts and the boats were lowered. The ship sank at about 2:20 a. m. Monday, and the usual distress signals were sent out by wireless and rockets at intervals from the ship. Fortunately, the wireless message was received by the Cunard’s Carpathia at about 12 o’clock midnight, and she arrived on the scene of the disaster about 4 a. a. Monday. The officers and crew of the steamshjp Carpathia had been preparing all night for the rescue and comfort of the survivors, and the last mentioned

were received on board with the most touching care and kindness, every attention being given, irrespective of class. The passengers, officers and crew gave up gladly their staterooms, clothing and comforts for our benefit, all honor to them. The English Board of Trade passengers certificate on board the Titanic shelved approximately 3,590. The same certificate called for lifeboat accommodation for approximately 950 in the following boats: Fourteen large lifeboats, two smaller boats ancj four collapsible boats. Life-preservers were accessible and apparently in sufficient number for all on board. The approximate number of passengers carried at the time of the collision was: First class, 330; second class, 320; third class, 750; total, 1,400. Officers and crew\ 940. Total, 2,340. Of the foregoing about the following were rescued by the steamship Carpathia: First class, 210; second class, 125; third class, 200; officers, 4; seamen, 39; stewards, 90; firemen, 71; total, 210 of the crew'. The total about 775 saved was about 80 per cent, of the maximum capacity of the lifeboats. We feel it our duty to call the attention of the public to what we consider the inadequate supply of lifesaving appliances provided for on modern passenger steamships, and recommend that immediate steps be taken to compel passenger steamers to carry sufficient boats to accommodate the maximum number of people carried on board. The following facts were observed and should be considered in this connection : The inefficiency of lifeboats, rafts, etc.; lack of trained seamen to man same (stokers, stewards, etc., are not efficient boat handlers); not endugh officers to carry out emergency orders on the bridge and superintend the launching and control of lifeboats, absence of searchlights. The board of trade rules allow for entirely too nuvny people in each boat to permit the same to be properly handled. _On the Titanic the boat deck was about seventy-five feet above water, and consequently the passengers were required to embark before lowering boats, thus endangering the operation and preventing the taking on of the maximum number the boats would hold. Boats at ali times to be properly equipped with provisions, water, lamps, compasses, lights, etc. Life, saving boat drills should be more frequent and thoroughly carried out, and officers should be armed at boat drills. Great reduction in speed in fog and ice, as damage if collision actually occurs is liable to be less. In conclusion, we suggest that an international conference be called to recommend the passage of identical laws providing for the safety of all at sea, and we urge the United States government to take the initiative as soon as possible.