Timeline Article: Cottom And Bride Send Messages from Carpathia

Harold Cottom

Carpathia's wireless operator Harold Cottom has been on duty all night. He is completely exhausted and overwhelmed. He has a huge number of official messages that must be sent out informing the world of Titanic's sinking as well as messages going out from survivors. On top of that, Captain Rostron wants a complete list of survivors to be sent out as quickly as possible.

Harold Bride

Titanic's wireless operator Harold Bride decides to assist Cottom with the outgoing messages. Despite his exhaustion and frostbitten feet, he relieves Cottom at the wireless whenever necessary.

During voyage to New York, Carpathia's signal will be broadcasting constantly. Cottom and Bride will ignore all incoming messages from news reporters and including President Taft. The two men have both committed themselves to serving Titanic's survivors.

Timeline Article: Carpathia Responds / Titanic's Situation Becomes Clear

Monday, April 15, 1912

12:19am - 12:27am

As Titanic sinks, wireless operator Phillips continues to send CQD calls...
58 miles away, wireless operator Harold Cottom aboard the Cunard Line's Carpathia, (pictured above) hears Titanic's distress call while getting ready for bed.

Wireless Operator Cottom and Captain Rostron
of the Cunard liner Carpathia.

Cottom writes down what he has heard from Titanic. He responds instantly and asks for Titanic's position. Then he runs to the bridge and informs First Officer Dean and then wakes Captain Rostron with the news.

Meanwhile on Titanic, wireless operator Harold Bride informs Captain Smith that Carpathia has responded, that they are traveling at full speed, and that they will reach Titanic's location within 4 hours. Smith is stunned that Carpathia is the only ship responding to their rescue. Titanic has at most 2 hours to live. 

Wireless Operator Bride and Captain Smith of Titanic.

Video Provided By: "A Night To Remember" (1958) / "Titanic" (1997)