There Were Only Seconds Until Impact
Lookout Frederick Fleet (shown) spotted the iceberg about a minute before the Titanic hit it. Officers at the bridge had only around 30 seconds to decide what to do because of the time it took to convey the message, leaving them vulnerable to nearly a century of second-guessing. Fleet did survive that night, but he suffered from depression for the rest of his life, most likely as a result of the sinking. In January 1965, he committed suicide by hanging.
There Were Only Seconds Until Impact
The Captain was among the best.
The Titanic’s captain, Edward J. Smith, had a long and successful career with the White Star Line, and had been transferred from Titanic’s sister ship, the RMS Olympic, specifically for this maiden voyage. His parting words to the crew were, “Well, boys, do your best for the women and children, and look out for yourself.” Smith intended to retire after the voyage.
The Captain was among the best.