When Titanic hit an iceberg, Kieran ordered Steward Hart to get lifebelts to the passengers in sections K & M. Kieran did the same in sections Q, R & S. He also ordered pantryman Pearcey to "Assist all passengers on to boat deck.
He also ordered the greasers and firemen to get lifebelts in the Third Class quarters,"
- This piece of info was in the Testimony of Frederick Scott a survivor thanks to James.
He sacrificed his one of his own life belts, to save others.