Lifeboats and drills on the Olympics

[Tom Pappas]

Does anyone know how White Star handled lifeboat muster when it would have been obvious to anyone that there were more souls on board than seats? I'm thinking specifically of Olympic prior to her sister's demise.

 

[Dave Gittins]

They only mustered the crew, if they got round to it. All the crew were assigned to boats and notices informing them of their places were posted in their quarters. During a voyage they were supposed to assemble at their stations when ordered, but that was all that was done. Sometimes the muster was held in New York. Some very token boat lowering was done in port in Southampton for the benefit of the Board of Trade inspector.

Passengers were not assigned to boats. Apart from not wanting to advertise the shortage of accommodation, the line liked to keep up the impression of being in a nice safe hotel.