Titanic Fire & Ice (Or What You Will)

Introduction:

• The program claimed that new photographic evidence showed severe hull damage from a coal bunker fire on the Titanic.
• The authors aim to correct historical inaccuracies presented in the program.

The Claims:

• Smudge and Location: The program suggested a smudge on the Titanic’s hull indicated damage from a coal bunker fire.
• The Fire: It was claimed that a fire in a coal bunker weakened the hull, contributing to the disaster.
• Financial Pressures: The program alleged that financial pressures led to substandard construction of the Titanic.
• Withholding Information: It was suggested that the fire was kept secret from passengers and that the ship sailed despite the fire.
• Covering Up the Fire: The program claimed that the British Inquiry covered up the fire’s significance.
• Spreading Fire: It was alleged that the fire spread and worsened during the voyage.
• Coal Shortage: The program claimed the Titanic was short of coal, influencing decisions to maintain speed.
• Thomas Andrews’ Belief: It was suggested that Andrews initially believed the ship would survive.
• Fire’s Final Role: The program claimed the fire-damaged bulkhead gave way, causing the ship to sink faster.
• Culture of Coverup: The program alleged a culture of coverup within the White Star Line.

The Facts:

• Smudge and Location: The smudge was not evidence of hull damage; it was likely a photographic artifact.
• The Fire: The fire was not as severe as claimed and was extinguished before the collision.
• Financial Pressures: There is no evidence that financial pressures led to substandard construction.
• Withholding Information: Coal bunker fires were not uncommon, and the fire was not considered serious enough to inform passengers.
• Covering Up the Fire: The British Inquiry did discuss the fire, and there was no coverup.
• Spreading Fire: The fire did not spread or worsen; it was contained and extinguished.
• Coal Shortage: The Titanic had sufficient coal reserves for the voyage.
• Thomas Andrews’ Belief: Andrews knew the ship was doomed shortly after the collision.
• Fire’s Final Role: The bulkhead did not fail due to the fire; the ship was doomed from the collision.
• Culture of Coverup: There is no evidence of a coverup; the use of code words like “YAMSI” was routine.

Conclusion:

• The coal bunker fire did not play a significant role in the Titanic disaster.
• The program’s claims are not supported by historical evidence.
• The authors emphasize the importance of accurate historical representation.