Short Answer
Drawing on the first bulletins from April 15, 1912, the wireless operator's harrowing testimony, and the earliest survivor letters, this article reconstructs how the world learned of the Titanic's loss—and how the truth was distorted by initial errors.
FAQ
What was the first newspaper headline about the Titanic?
On April 15, 1912, the Evening Standard of Ogden City, Utah, printed 'Passengers From the Titanic Rescued,' and the Evening Bulletin reported 'All Titanic Passengers Saved.' These early reports were based on incomplete wireless messages and were later corrected.
How many people were rescued by the Carpathia?
According to the New York Times of April 15, 1912, the Carpathia rescued 866 people. The same article estimated that about 1,250 perished.
What did the wireless operator Harold Bride say about the sinking?
In a New York Times article published April 19, 1912, Bride told how he and his colleague Phillips worked until the end, and how he struck a stoker who tried to steal Phillips's life belt. He also said the ship sank to the tune of 'Autumn'.
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