Titanic disaster remembered

7:08am Monday 14th April 2008

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About 100 people assembled to commemorate one of the darkest days of Southampton's maritime history.

They gathered at Holyrood Church for a service remembering the victims of the Titanic which sank in the North Atlantic 96 years ago tomorrow.

In his address, the sheriff Councillor Brian Parnell said the liner's sinking was a stark reminder of the dangers inherent to all those who plied their trade at sea.

"The safety of passengers and crews is still a primary concern for those who run and operate the mighty ships that leave our shores, although today they are tourists rather than people seeking a new life.

"Many of the safety measures came about as a direct result of the tragedy for which we are gathered here today and so perhaps the sacrifice that was made that night was not wholly in vain."

The councillor then laid the first wreath on behalf of the city against the anchor that adorns the historic landmark that is regarded as the sailor's church in Southampton.

The Reverend Sarah Chapman, the Mayor's chaplain, conducted the service, and Captain Phillip Holliday, Southampton's harbour master, and Titanic historian Genevieve Bailey read the lessons in the 20-minute service.

The Titanic left Southampton on its maiden voyage for New York but smashed into an iceberg at about 11.40pm on April 14, 1912, when time stopped for more than 1,500 passengers and crew.

Click here to see new images of the Titanic at the bottom of the Atlantic.