Featured moment · World history
Titanic maiden voyage and sinking
10–15 April 1912
The Titanic sailed from Southampton and sank after striking an iceberg, prompting lasting changes to maritime safety rules.
What happened?
RMS Titanic departed Southampton on 10 April 1912 for her first transatlantic crossing. Late on 14 April she struck an iceberg and sank in the early hours of 15 April.
Why it mattered
The disaster killed more than 1,500 people and stimulated international reforms covering lifeboats, wireless communication and ice patrols.