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Elaine R Barnes
Guest
Annie,
The recovery ships brought coffins only for the first class passangers. The third class and crew recovered were placed in canvas. You must remember that it was a few weeks after the disaster that the Mackay-Bennet( the first recovery ship to reach the area) reached the area. The wind, rain and saltwater badly damaged the bodies during that time. It took several days to reach Nova Scotia after recovering the bodies. Some of the bodies were just not in the best of condition to return them. Also, correct me if I'm wrong all you sailors out there, I believe many crew would have preferred burial at sea.
I also believe the crew only brought enough embalming equipment for the first and second class passangers, as the ships only had so much room.
Hope this helps.
Elaine
The recovery ships brought coffins only for the first class passangers. The third class and crew recovered were placed in canvas. You must remember that it was a few weeks after the disaster that the Mackay-Bennet( the first recovery ship to reach the area) reached the area. The wind, rain and saltwater badly damaged the bodies during that time. It took several days to reach Nova Scotia after recovering the bodies. Some of the bodies were just not in the best of condition to return them. Also, correct me if I'm wrong all you sailors out there, I believe many crew would have preferred burial at sea.
I also believe the crew only brought enough embalming equipment for the first and second class passangers, as the ships only had so much room.
Hope this helps.
Elaine