Question 1

What are the key dates in the Titanic’s construction and launch timeline?

Accepted Answer

• 31 March 1909: Keel laid at Harland & Wolff, Belfast.
• 31 May 1911: Hull launched; fitting-out begins.
• 2 April 1912: Sea trials completed in the Irish Sea.
• 10 April 1912: Ready for and departs on maiden voyage.

Question 2

When was the Titanic wreck discovered, and what followed?

Accepted Answer

• 1 Sept 1985: Wreck located about 370 miles south-southeast of Newfoundland by a Franco-American team (IFREMER/WHOI) led by Robert Ballard and Jean-Louis Michel, at ~12,500 ft (3,800 m) depth.
• 1986: First manned dives (submersible Alvin) and extensive photography.
• 1990s–2020s: Ongoing expeditions, mapping, and conservation debates as the wreck continues to deteriorate.

Question 3

When did rescue operations occur, and when did survivors arrive in New York?

Accepted Answer

• 15 Apr 1912, ~12:20 am: RMS Carpathia receives distress call and heads to the site.
• ~4:00 am: Carpathia arrives; begins taking survivors aboard around 4:10 am.
• ~8:10 am: Last lifeboat rescued; Carpathia departs the area ~8:50 am.
• 18 Apr 1912, ~9:30 pm: Carpathia arrives in New York with approximately 705 survivors.

Question 4

What is the timeline of the Titanic’s maiden voyage from departure to sinking?

Accepted Answer

• 10 Apr 1912, ~12:15 pm: Departs Southampton, England.
• 10 Apr evening: Calls at Cherbourg, France; departs around 8 pm.
• 11 Apr midday: Calls at Queenstown (now Cobh), Ireland; departs ~1:30 pm for the Atlantic.
• 14 Apr, evening: Multiple ice warnings received.
• 14 Apr, 11:40 pm (ship’s time): Strikes iceberg starboard side.
• 15 Apr, ~12:05 am: Boats uncovered; women-and-children-first protocol.
• 15 Apr, ~12:15 am: First CQD distress sent (later SOS as well).
• 15 Apr, ~12:40 am: First lifeboat lowered.
• 15 Apr, 2:20 am: Titanic breaks up and sinks.

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