Lifeboat 7

[Daniel Odysseus]

I THINK that lifeboat 7, the first to be launched was 12:45. So anyway, I'm writing a fiction book on Titanic, and the characters see boat 7 at 12:45, etc. But on page 101 of "Illustrated History" it says it was 12:25, not 12:45. What time is right?

-Daniel Odysseus

 

[Daniel Klistorner]

Neither. There was an article printed not too long ago in the Titanic Commutator by a few of the regulars from here whree they go into detail about when each boat was launched and the evidence supporting it. Boats 5 and 7 were launched close together at about 12.43. Seven was perhaps launched a little before 12.43.

 

[Bill Wormstedt]

"A few of the regulars from here" - yeah, that pretty much describes George Behe, Tad Fitch and I. But you should have said 'reprobates' instead.

Yes, we believe No. 7 left the ship at 12:40, followed by No. 5 at 12:43. Both boats appear to have left the ship before any rockets were fired, and if the rockets started around 12:45, both had to leave before that.

Our lifeboat timeline is available at http://home.attbi.co m/~bwormst/titanic/r evised.html
The article gives the details as to why we disagree with the British Inquiry, the article itself is not available on line at this time.

 

[Michael Shetina]

That is a common mistake. I have seen it in many sources and books.

 

[Michael Edwards]

Was lifeboat 7 the first launched??? In 'Titanic. The Ship That Never Sank' there is a good point made that Lifeboat 6 may have been the first boat launched.

Molly Brown was reportedly dropped into Lifeboat 6 by Robert McGough as it was being lowered. McGough was saved in Lifeboat 7.

Surely this is a basis to state that Lifeboat 6 was the first launched????

 

[Jason D. Tiller]

Was lifeboat 7 the first launched???

Yes. According to Bill Wormstedt's post (two above yours) lifeboat 7 left at 12:40 am. There has been a huge debate for years, as to when each lifeboat left the ship. But Bill, Tad Fitch and George Behe have done a terrific job in figuring it all out.

Surely this is a basis to state that Lifeboat 6 was the first launched????

No, lifeboat 6 left a half an hour later at 1:10 am. Just because a book states it, does not make it so, especially Robin Gardiner's.