CSI Literacy: The Titanic Time Twist

The Daily Chronicle - April 16, 1912

Tragedy has struck the Atlantic. The world's largest ship, the RMS Titanic, has sunk in the icy waters after hitting an iceberg. The ship was on its first journey from England to New York. While many lives were lost, stories of heroism are emerging from the survivors. One passenger tearfully recalled the actions of the ship's officers. "They worked tirelessly to help passengers into the lifeboats, often giving up their own chance at survival to save a woman or a child," she said. "Their courage in the face of disaster was unbelievable." These acts of bravery ensured that hundreds of people were saved who might otherwise have been lost.

Inside a small room, two young men, Jack Phillips and Harold Bride, worked the Marconi wireless radio. It was a new and amazing technology that allowed ships to communicate across the vast ocean. When the Titanic struck the iceberg, their job became the most important on the ship. Captain Smith ordered them to send out calls for help. They tapped out the letters "CQD" on their machines, the standard call for help. Then, they also used a new signal, "SOS," hoping someone would hear them. Their frantic signals were the only reason the rescue ship, Carpathia, knew to race to the scene. Without their work, the story of the Titanic would have had no survivors. The signals they sent were a desperate plea in a time of great distress.

The RMS Titanic was a true giant of its time, designed to be the most impressive ship in the world. Stretching 882 feet long, it was as long as four city blocks! It wasn't just big; it was also incredibly fancy. The builders wanted passengers to feel like they were staying in a floating palace. First-class passengers could enjoy a heated swimming pool, a gymnasium, and beautiful restaurants. The most famous feature was the Grand Staircase, made of polished oak wood and topped with a glass dome that let sunlight pour in. Even passengers in third class had better rooms than on most other ships. Every detail was planned to make the Titanic a symbol of luxury and modern engineering.

April 15, 1912. The cold is like nothing I have ever felt. It seeps into my bones. I am huddled in Lifeboat 14, watching the unthinkable happen. The great ship, our unsinkable palace, is tilting strangely into the black water. The lights are still on, making it look like a wounded star falling from the sky. I write this to remember the sounds—the cries, the music the band played so bravely, and the final, terrible roar as the ship broke apart and disappeared. I don't know if I'm writing to make sense of it or just to prove it was real. We are a tiny boat in a massive, dark ocean, surrounded by ghosts and ice. I want the world to know what happened here tonight.

Log Entry: April 10, 1912. Captain E.J. Smith speaking.

We have departed Southampton. The engines are running smoothly, a deep hum that speaks of incredible power. I have commanded ships for decades, but this one... this one is a masterpiece. Standing here on the bridge, I feel a great sense of pride. The crew is the finest I have ever worked with, and the ship responds to my command as if it were alive. This maiden voyage is the peak of my career. The passengers are full of excitement for the journey ahead, and so am I. I have no doubt that this will be a smooth and celebrated crossing. We are the masters of the sea.