The RMS Titanic was a British passenger liner operated by the White Star Line, celebrated for its luxury and scale. On its maiden voyage, it set sail from Southampton, England, to New York City. The ship struck an iceberg at approximately 11:40 PM ship's time, leading to catastrophic damage to its hull. As the Titanic sank, it began to split apart, leading to harrowing scenes on board. Lifeboats were insufficient, with only enough to accommodate about half of those on board. Many passengers were forced to jump into the icy waters of the North Atlantic, where they faced hypothermia and panic.

In the aftermath of the sinking, the early morning of April 15 saw distress calls being answered by nearby ships, but by 2:20 AM, the Titanic had fully disappeared beneath the waves, marking a significant moment in maritime disaster history. The sinking prompted changes to maritime laws and regulations regarding lifeboat requirements and ship safety protocols. This incident has since become a symbol of human hubris in the face of nature’s power, raising questions about reliability and preparedness in sea travel.

In the months and years following the tragedy, extensive inquiries were conducted to determine the cause and the failures that led to the high loss of life. The event went on to shape popular culture, spawning countless films, books, and discussions about maritime safety and human error.