Sister Ships

March 5, 2008 6:54am CST
Titanic had two other sisters. They were RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic. Olympic was launched on 20th october 1910. She was the first of the trio of White Star Liners.She was under the command of Capt E.J.Smith (latter Capt of Titanic). She sailed on her maiden voyage to New York on june 14th 1911. Everything went well until her collision with another cruiser.Olympic came back to Belfast where she was repaired using components of her sister Titanic (Under Construction). After Titanic disaster Olympic underwent several safety improvements including life boats for the entire crew and passengers. During war she was used as a troop ship and she also hit a German Submarine. After the war she was back to commercial service. On 15th may 1934 she collided with another ship where 7 lives were lost. Her last voyage ended in Southampton on april 12th 1935. She was scrapped in Palmers yard on tyne. Her remains were towed to Inverkeithing on 19th september 1937 for final demolition.some parts were auctioned and it can be seen even to this day. Britannic started voyage after the Titanic disaster. She was to be named as Gigantic but they considerd Britannic as lucky name. Britannic resembled Titanic in appearance. But one large differance was her Lifeboat Davits which was prominent. She was launched on 26th feb 1914.Her fitting was delayed by financial and industrial difficulties due to the war. Britannic was used as hospital ship becoming His Majesty's Hospital Ship (HMHS). After painted with brilliant coat of white paint she left Belfast and started her short career. On 21 Nov 1916 she struck a mine in the Kea channel, Agean sea. Inspite of improved design she began to sink in the same way as her sister Titanic.There were attempts made to beach the ship to the nearby Island but that was not to be. Two life boats which were launched got sucked by propellers and the occupants had no chance to survive. At 9:07 am she disappeared into the ocean.After that Olympic became a loan surviver of White Star Line dreams of New York shuttle. Considering the shallow water Britannic rests, her wrekage is safer from would be salvagers. As a ship requisitioned to the service of the crown, the wreck to this day belongs to British Government.
1 response
• United States
5 Mar 08
wow you know alot about the titanic. i never knew she has sisters. huh. thanks =] p.s. welcome to mylot!