Timeline Article: The Loud Roar / The Captain Gives His Orders












Monday, April 15, 1912
12:10am

Titanic had been traveling at nearly full speed at the time of the collision. The excess steam from the boilers was vented from the funnels creating a loud and thundering roar. Captain Smith gives the order for the lifeboats to be uncovered and life jackets to be distributed to all. The crew members are unfamiliar with the new Welin davits that hold Titanic's lifeboats. The venting steam is so loud that they have to shout or use hand signals to communicate.




Titanic's stewards and stewardesses begin the process of waking and informing the passengers to dress warmly, to put on their lifejackets, and to report to the boat deck. The passengers are told that the situation was just a precautionary measure and that the order was from the captain. Once on the boat deck the cold weather and loud noise is too much for the passengers and most go back inside.