Crew Maintains Calm as Wireless Brings Reports of Ice Fields on Sunday’s Course
ABOARD RMS TITANIC, April 14, 1912 (Evening Dispatch) — As the sun sinks over a silken Atlantic and First Class diners prepare for the evening’s eleven-course banquet, quiet concern has begun to circulate among officers and wireless men aboard the Titanic, following a series of messages received earlier today warning of icebergs and field ice to the west of our current position.
Though the atmosphere aboard remains serene and elegant, the Marconi wireless set crackled this afternoon with cautionary notes from vessels ahead — dispatches that may give pause to even the most seasoned seafarers.
In our coverage of the RMS Titanic Anniversary this year, NetNewsLedger will cover the event as if we were covering it as it happened. This first report as the ship prepares to set course on her fateful journey is on the days before sailing. In those days newspaper coverage was the premier media.
A WHISPER THROUGH THE WIRELESS
Shortly after tea hour, the Titanic’s wireless operators — Mr. Jack Phillips and Mr. Harold Bride — received word from several vessels already navigating the North Atlantic shipping lanes.
Among the warnings:
“Icebergs and field ice sighted in 42°N to 49°–51°W.” — SS Caronia, transmitted early morning
“Passing two large icebergs.” — SS Amerika, relayed via Cape Race
“Heavy pack ice, numerous large bergs. Proceeding with caution.” — SS Baltic, message timestamped mid-afternoon
These messages, though routine for the season, have been noted and logged by the bridge officers, with navigational adjustments reportedly under consideration for the evening and early morning hours.
A WORD FROM THE BRIDGE
This correspondent was granted a brief interview with First Officer William Murdoch, who expressed calm professionalism when asked about the warnings.
“It is the season for ice, and we are maintaining a northward route that has been judged suitable. The visibility is expected to remain clear, and our speed is well within what Captain Smith and the Line consider prudent,” he said.
When pressed about the ship’s ability to withstand any such encounter, Murdoch added:
“This ship is built to the latest design, with a double bottom and watertight bulkheads. The bridge keeps constant watch. We are confident in our course.”
Crew members on lookout duty have been reminded of the ice warnings, and extra vigilance has been ordered for the night watches.
NO ALARM AMONG PASSENGERS
Though the ice messages are known among crew and some well-connected First Class passengers, there is no sign of unease aboard. The Titanic’s calm passage thus far — with barely a ripple beneath her hull — has imbued the voyage with an air of serene inevitability.
On the First Class deck this evening, passengers sipped liqueurs under electric lamps, admired the stars, and discussed politics, poetry, and the upcoming Sunday service. Several have noted the crispness in the air, with one gentleman remarking: “Feels as though we’re sailing closer to Canada tonight.”
“A ROUTINE MATTER,” SAYS ENGINEER
In the engineering quarters below decks, one officer — who declined to be named — expressed only mild concern when asked about the reports.
“It’s not the first time we’ve heard of bergs in April. The Titanic is new, but her boilers are steady, her hull is strong, and her crew is experienced. We proceed with care, but not with fear.”
TOMORROW’S COURSE: AHEAD AND WATCHFUL
By morning, Titanic is expected to reach the general area noted in today’s warnings. The ship continues on schedule and has not reduced speed at the time of this writing.
The sea remains still, the moon is not yet risen, and lookouts have been instructed to keep a particularly sharp eye forward through the night.
If there is danger ahead, it lies quiet and invisible — for now — upon the surface of the sea.
