A logbook detailing the final hours of the ill-fated Titanic’s voyage, written by Second Officer Charles Lightoller, is to be auctioned by Henry Aldridge and Son, a UK-based Titanic memorabilia specialist. Lightoller’s minutes-by-minute account of the ship’s sinking is expected to fetch between $300,000 and $500,000, and offers insight into the experiences of the ship’s officers during one of the world’s deadliest maritime disasters. One of the most important Titanic manuscripts to come to market, the logbook offers a primary source document that allows us to understand the events leading to the sinking of the ship.

Log of Titanic’s Final Moments to Be Auctioned Off

The tragic sinking of the Titanic on its maiden voyage in 1912 is one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. Now, a logbook detailing the ship’s final moments is set to be auctioned off. The logbook is expected to fetch millions of dollars and is a significant piece of history for Titanic enthusiasts.

The Logbook

The logbook, written by Titanic’s Second Officer Charles Lightoller, is a minute-by-minute account of the last few hours of the ship’s voyage. It includes details of the ship’s speed, heading, and position as well as notes about the weather and sea conditions. The logbook also includes accounts of the events leading up to the collision with the iceberg and the aftermath of the disaster.

The logbook is noteworthy in that it represents the perspective of one of the ship’s officers who survived the sinking. Lightoller, who was the most senior officer to survive, managed to make it to a lifeboat and later helped to rescue others from the frigid waters.

The Auction

The logbook is set to be auctioned off on April 24th by Henry Aldridge and Son, a UK-based auction house specializing in Titanic memorabilia. The logbook is expected to sell for between $300,000 and $500,000. The auction house has described the logbook as “one of the most important Titanic manuscripts to ever come to market.”

The logbook has only had two previous owners, including Lightoller’s family. It has been privately owned for more than 70 years and has never been publicly displayed.

Why is the Logbook Important?

The logbook is important because it provides a detailed, first-hand account of one of the most significant events in maritime history. It is a primary source document that allows us to understand the events leading up to the Titanic’s sinking and how the crew responded to the disaster. The logbook is also significant because it represents the perspective of one of the ship’s officers who survived the sinking, giving us insight into how those directly involved in the disaster experienced it.

FAQs

Who was Charles Lightoller?

Charles Lightoller was the Second Officer on the Titanic. He was one of the most senior officers to survive the sinking and later played a significant role in rescuing others from the water.

What happened to the Titanic on its maiden voyage?

The Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic on April 14th, 1912 and sank less than three hours later. More than 1,500 people died in the disaster, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history.

What other Titanic memorabilia has been auctioned off?

Over the years, a variety of Titanic memorabilia has been auctioned off, including pieces of the ship’s wreckage, personal belongings of passengers and crew, and even the violin played by the bandmaster as the ship was sinking. Many of these items have sold for millions of dollars.

What impact did the Titanic disaster have on maritime safety?

The sinking of the Titanic led to significant changes in maritime safety regulations. It spurred the creation of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, which established standards for how ships should be built and equipped to ensure passenger safety. The disaster also highlighted the importance of having enough lifeboats for all passengers and crew, which is now a standard requirement for all ships.