Remembering the Titanic

The Northwest Atlantic is a unique maritime environment where the threat of icebergs, fog, severe storms and busy shipping lanes are a constant threat to mariners. It was 99 years ago today that this threat became a reality when the R.M.S. TITANIC sank after it struck an iceberg four days into its voyage.

More than 1,500 lives were lost that day, and in the months following the sinking of the Titanic, the U.S. Navy patrolled the North Atlantic to search out icebergs and broadcast warnings to prevent a similar catastrophe from happening again. The following year the Revenue Cutter Service, the predecessor service to the modern-day Coast Guard, was placed in charge of monitoring ice in for the U.S. for those making the Trans-Atlantic voyage, and the International Ice Patrol was born. This vital mission remains today, with the International Ice Patrol promoting safe navigation of the Northwest Atlantic when the danger of iceberg collision exists.

“Reflecting on the tragedy of the sinking of Titanic in the North Atlantic 99 years ago helps International Ice Patrol remember the importance of our mission,” said Cmdr. Lisa Mack, commander of the International Ice Patrol. “It is a different era than that of Titanic, but icebergs remain a threat to mariners and International Ice Patrol continues to conduct this important marine safety mission, protecting life at sea and facilitating commerce.”

To read more about the International Ice Patrol and their mission, click here.

——-

Source: US Coastguard

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Bob Laura: Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Baumgartner, a marine science technician with the International Ice Patrol, kneels on the ramp of a Coast Guard HC-130J from Air Station Elizabeth City, preparing to toss out one of three wreaths over the site where the Titanic sank.