The Engineers

The scene in the engine and boiler rooms is difficult to imagine for us here today. Far from their homes in Southampton and surrounding areas, Titanic’s engineers know at once they will probably die. They know their duty is to keep the ship afloat for as long as possible.

There is steam and smoke everywhere. The engineers are thinking of their families at home, and they are afraid. But they know what must be done. Steam pipes break free from the boilers, still operating to keep pumps and dynamos working. The men wrestle with the equipment as machinery disintrigrates and seawater pours into the liner.

The engineers are trapped in a steel tomb. At the best of times it is difficult enough to reach the open deck from the bowels of the Titanic. No attempts are made to leave their positions. They stay at their posts until the end. The lights stay on until the end.

“We are not afraid to shed our tears
In memory of the gallant engineers”

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