Famous (and in some cases, Last) Words

Quotes from Titanic passengers and crew members:  “To call this ship unsinkable is flying in the face of God!” Passenger Esther Hart, who slept fully dressed and with her lifebelt on during the day and stayed awake every night of the voyage. She survived.

“I cannot imagine any condition which would cause a ship to founder. I cannot conceive of any vital disaster happening to this vessel. Modern shipbuilding has gone beyond that.” Captain Edward Smith. He did not survive.

“I give her an hour, maybe an hour and a half at best.” Titanic designer Thomas Andrews to Captain Edward Smith following his inspection of the ship after the collision. He did not survive.

“We’ve dressed in our best and are prepared to go down like gentlemen.” Wealthy American businessman Benjamin Guggenheim. He did not survive.

“You go first. You have children waiting at home.” Passenger Edith Evans to another lady about to get in a lifeboat. Evans did not survive.

“Hadn’t we better cancel that appointment?” Passenger Archibald Gracie to the squash court attendant regarding his early court reservation for the morning after the collision. Gracie survived.

 “Come at once. We have struck an iceberg. It’s a CQD, old man.” Jack Phillips, Wireless Operator. He did not survive.

“Men, you have done your full duty, I release you. Every man for himself.” Captain Edward Smith to the two wireless operators. He did not survive.

“Striking the water was like a thousand knives being driven into one’s body. The temperature was 28 degrees, 4 degrees below freezing.” Charles Lightoller, Titanic Second Officer. He survived.

“As the lifeboat pulled away, we heard cries from people left on the Titanic and in the water and explosions on the ship. We were in the lifeboat 9 hours.” Passenger Edith Brown, age 15. She survived.

“Many brave things were done that night, but none braver than by those few men playing minute after minute as the ship settled quietly lower and lower in the sea...the music they played served alike as their own immortal requiem and their right to be recorded on the rulls of undying fame.” Passenger Lawrence Beesley, speaking of the Titanic orchestra members. Beesley survived, the orchestra members did not.