Titanic International Society

Costa Concordia

administrator — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:06:17 +0000

Many Titanic International Society members have been following closely the developments in the tragedy of the cruise ship Costa Concordia off the western coast of Italy. Many comparisons to the Titanic disaster have been a part of the news media’s ongoing coverage of the event.

TIS member David Hutchings has forwarded a link that may help our members and website visitors understand what may have happened on the night of January 13, 2012.

Capt. John Konrad, a US Coast Guard-licensed master mariner unlimited, has charted the final moments and maneuvers of the Costa Concordia using data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) — an automatic tracking system used for identifying and locating vessels by electronically exchanging data on course, speed and headings with other nearby ships and AIS base stations. Capt. Konrad interprets the data from an experienced mariner’s point of view, and explains the scenario so that even a “landlubber” can understand it. The presentation runs approximately 15 minutes. Capt. Konrad’s interpretations are his own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Titanic International Society, its trustees or members. The presentation is offered here only for informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement by TIS of his opinions.

It can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/35351659

Congratulations to Una!

administrator — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:42:26 +0000

Her Majesty honors Una Reilly

Titanic International Society members who attended our conventions in Boston in 2010 or in Belfast in 2011 will be delighted to learn that Una Reilly, chairman of the Belfast Titanic Society and a member of TIS, has been named a Member of the British Empire in the 2012 New Year’s Honours List by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The award recognizes her “services to Maritime and Industrial Heritage in Northern Ireland.”

In 1992, Una was a co-founder of the then-named Ulster Titanic Society, today the Belfast Titanic Society, and almost single-handedly helped to change Belfast residents’ attitude toward Titanic from one of indifference or embarrassment to one of great hometown pride. As Una’s personal slogan put it, “What happened to her was a disaster. She was not.” The resulting groundswell of Titanic interest in her birthplace city provided a focal point and the impetus for the massive redevelopment of the former Harland & Wolff shipyards known as “Titanic Quarter,” which will be highlighted by the iconic “Titanic Belfast” Museum, opening in April 2012, which will tell the story of Titanic and the shipbuilding industry in Northern Ireland’s capital city.

The effort to recognize Una’s unique contributions was organized by Titanic historian Stephen Cameron, whom many of our members met in Belfast in 2011.

Titanic International Society president Charles Haas was one of many submitting letters supporting Una’s nomination for the award. He wrote, in part, ‘These projects became reality largely because of civic interest in history’s most famous ship, rekindled through the continuing efforts of Ms. Reilly. Their completion will make Belfast a renowned tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world. In a very real sense, Titanic will be the means by which Northern Ireland’s largest city will make its own journey into a bright future, proud of its history and manifesting the same “can-do” philosophy that is a hallmark of every one of Una Reilly’s efforts on behalf of her city, her country, and RMS Titanic.”

Regarding the award, Charlie added, “The trustees and members of Titanic International Society extend their heartiest congratulations to our dear friend Una for this well-deserved honor. Northern Ireland and Titanic could ask for no finer ambassador than Una. Our wonderful visit to Belfast in May 2011, and our convention in Boston in 2010 gave many of our members the opportunity to know Una and enjoy her friendship and warm hospitality. We are absolutely thrilled that Her Majesty has recognized her significant contributions to Titanic history, ensuring that the significant role of Titanic’s “home town” will be remembered in perpetuity, thanks to her energetic and passionate efforts.”

The first member of her family to be so honored by the monarch, Una will be entitled to place the initials “MBE” (Member of the British Empire) after her name. With family members proudly watching, she will receive her award from Her Majesty the Queen sometime within the next six months.

Artifact Auction in the News for 2012

administrator — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:41:21 +0000

Premier Exhibitions’ subsidiary RMS Titanic, Inc., the company that has recovered more than 5,500 Titanic artifacts during a series of perilous but successful expeditions, has signed an agreement with Guernsey’s, the New York auction house, to offer for sale to the highest bidder, the entire collection of artifacts, expedition video, film and photographs, and the salvor-in-possession rights in an auction to begin April 1, 2012, with results announced on April 15, 2012, the 100th anniversary of the ship’s loss. The collection, to be sold as a single lot, has an estimated value of approximately $250 million. Further details of the auction may be found at www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/29/titanic-auction_n_1174195.html At http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/796764/000119312511351838/0001193125-11-351838-index.htm one can view the company’s press release announcing the auction (click on “Exhibit 99.1″), and the agreement with Guernsey’s (click on “Exhibit 10.1″)

TIS President Charles Haas said, “It is important to remember that U. S. District Court Judge Rebecca Beach Smith, who has thoughtfully and closely supervised Titanic’s case for more than a decade, must approve all details of this sale, and likely will be advised by the the U. S. government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in doing so. Judge Smith has insisted on the highest standards for the artifacts throughout her involvement with Titanic, and there’s every reason to believe she will apply those same standards now. “While we don’t know whether the collection actually will find a qualified buyer at this auction, we are confident that the watchful work of the Court in supervising any sale or transfer will ensure that the artifacts will remain on public display, and will receive the best of care. “We are sad that a significant chapter in Titanic’s ongoing story, the exemplary involvement of RMS Titanic, Inc. that began in 1987 under the thoughtful and pioneering leadership of Paul-Henri Nargeolet and the late George H. Tulloch in retrieving, conserving and exhibiting these precious items, may now be coming to close. We hope that the artifacts’ future will be assured and enhanced, should a new owner receive the Court’s approval.”

A series of covenants, agreed to by Premier Exhibitions/RMS Titanic, Inc., NOAA and the Court, sets forth significant restrictions on the sale, treatment and exhibition of the artifacts, and is legally binding on RMST and all future purchasers of the collection. These covenants may be found at http://www.gc.noaa.gov/documents/gcil_titanic_opinion_081210_ex_A.pdf At this point, your Titanic International Society trustees have no information beyond what has been published in the media, but as further details emerge, we will endeavor to keep our members and website visitors informed through our journal, Voyage, and through further postings here on our website.

A preview of the Belfast 2011 Journey

administrator — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:57:02 +0000

Please click on this link to view a short slideshow preview of the trip to Ireland http://web.photodex.com/view/bp47c28 More to come!

Feature Voyage Article

administrator — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:29:37 +0000

The Travels of Fourth Officer Boxhall By Capt. Charles B. Weeks

As the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s tragic loss draws near, TIS Online will be bringing our readers more articles and photos from the archives. Please visit our FEATURE page, http://titanicinternationalsociety.org/voyage-feature-article/ which also has a navigation tab at the top of this page to view the latest article. Follow us on Facebook!

Voyage #77

administrator — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:32:04 +0000

In this issue:

Journey to Titanic’s home — Extensive coverage of the 2011 convention in Belfast, Northern Ireland, including a 10-page photo spread

White Star’s wonder ship, Part Two, 1918-1935 — The last segment of Olympic’s history

The travels of Fourth Officer Boxhall, by Cptn. Charles B. Weeks — Following Boxhall’s movements from collision to sinking

Signals of distress, by John P. Eaton — Distress signals in the pre-wireless era

In search of ice, icebergs and icefields, by G.G. Connor OBE – A fascinating look at icebergs and their environments

Remembering Steve Rigby

administrator — Tue, 10 May 2011 03:27:23 +0000

Titanic International Society is deeply saddened to report the sudden passing of Steve Rigby, who for many years served as an officer of the British Titanic Society and was a congenial “fixture” at the BTS’s conventions. TIS members who attended the superb 2007 convention in Halifax will remember Steve from that event. Steve died in hospital from a massive heart attack on Saturday. He was 52 years old. Steve often said a highlight of his life occurred when he visited the Titanic aboard the Russian submersible Mir in 2001. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and his many friends on both sides of the Atlantic. Steve’s exceptional knowledge of Titanic , his friendship and his warm sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Titanic Belfast Booklet

administrator — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:29:01 +0000

TIS members and their guests going to Belfast for the 2011 convention in May should have received an e-mail from president Charlie Haas that included an attachment of a fine booklet regarding Titanic-related activities in Belfast before, during and after the convention. If members did not receive such an e-mail, you may download the booklet at the link below. Please do send your e-mail address and itinerary to Revdma@aol.com so any last-minute information or announcements can be sent to you before your departure.

Website visitors not planning to visit Belfast are cordially invited to download the booklet using the link above, to see what they may be missing!

Titanicbooklet2011 (pdf file click-on link)

Titanic’s 100th anniversary cruises planned

administrator — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:24:21 +0000

Titanic anniversary cruises

Two Titanic memorial cruises are being planned for the 100th anniversary of the famous ship’s maiden voyage. Bill Willard, who developed T-Rex, a remote-operated vehicle, or ROV, that was used during the 1998 Titanic expedition, is organizing a cruise to Titanic’s sinking site to mark the 100th anniversary of the disaster. Azamara Club Cruises will send its 684-passenger Azamara Journey out of Boston on April 10, 2012, to sail to the site where Titanic sank. Willard said historians and descendants of passengers and crew will be on board to give programs. An expedition ship equipped with an ROV will meet the cruise ship at the sinking site, and the ROV will dive to the wreck and relay live video images of the ship. A memorial service will honor the ship and passengers. The cruise site is www.voyages-to-remember.com .

Also, Miles Morgan Travel, a British travel agency, has chartered the Balmoral to sail from Southampton to New York, passing the site of the disaster on April 15, 2012. A memorial service is planned at 2:20 a.m. TIS President Charles Haas and Historian Jack Eaton are scheduled to give programs on board, along with author and historian Claes-Göran Wetterholm, president of the Scandinavian Titanic Society, and many others. The website is www.titanicmemorialcruise.co.uk.

* Note: The preceding information is posted solely for the information of our members and website visitors, and does not constitute an endorsement of either cruise by Titanic International Society, its trustees or officers.

New bio on Maj. Archie Butt

administrator — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:14:58 +0000

Now available through Lulu.com is Volume I of three volumes by George Behe. Volume I, “Archie” From Augusta to Titanic is available at the website link below. Volumes II and III are ready for press and date of their release will appear here as soon as it is known.

http://archiebutt.com/