Historical Events tagged with "ocean liner"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Launch of British ocean liner RMS Olympic

October 20th, 1910 114 years ago

The RMS Olympic, the first of the White Star Line's Olympic-class ocean liners, was launched from Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. The launch was a significant moment for the shipbuilding industry, showcasing advancements in maritime technology. More than 100,000 spectators gathered to witness this impressive event, which marked a new era in transatlantic travel. With a length of 882 feet and a gross tonnage of 45,324 tons, the RMS Olympic promised luxury and speed, paving the way for her sisters, the RMS Titanic and RMS Britannic.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

RMS Mauretania Sets Atlantic Speed Record

September 30th, 1909 115 years ago

RMS Mauretania, owned by Cunard Line, achieved a record-breaking westbound crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, reaching New York City from Liverpool in just under five days. This remarkable feat, accomplished at an impressive average speed of 24.8 knots, was a testament to the ship's engineering and design, showcasing the advancements in maritime technology during the early 20th century. The journey was closely followed by the press and public, as the competition among transatlantic liners intensified, with the Mauretania's performance setting a new standard for speed on this vital trade route.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

RMS Lusitania Embarks on Maiden Voyage

September 7th, 1907 117 years ago

The RMS Lusitania, a British ocean liner operated by the Cunard Line, set sail on her maiden voyage from Liverpool, England, to New York City. This vessel, designed for speed and luxury, aimed to capture the market for transatlantic crossings. With a passenger capacity of 2,000 and an impressive design, she quickly garnered attention. Onboard were prominent members of society, as well as immigrants seeking a new life in America. The Lusitania was equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced safety features and opulent interiors, making her one of the most luxurious liners of her time.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Launch of RMS Lusitania from Glasgow

June 7th, 1906 118 years ago

The RMS Lusitania was launched from the John Brown Shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, by Lady Inverclyde, the wife of the shipyard's owner, on July 6, 1906. This iconic ocean liner, built for the Cunard Line, was a marvel of engineering and design, showcasing advanced safety and luxury features. As one of the largest and fastest ships of its time, Lusitania was destined to become a symbol of transatlantic travel and competition among shipping lines. The launch was celebrated with great fanfare, attended by numerous dignitaries and media representatives, marking a significant moment in maritime engineering.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Liner Deutschland Breaks Transatlantic Speed Record

July 17th, 1901 123 years ago

The liner Deutschland achieved a record-breaking transatlantic crossing, completing the journey in just five days, eleven hours, and five minutes. Departing Hamburg, Germany, on July 12, 1901, and arriving at New York City, the ship's accomplishment highlighted advancements in maritime technology and luxury travel at the dawn of the 20th century. The feat drew significant attention to the capabilities of German shipbuilding and the increasing competition among shipping lines for passenger trade across the Atlantic.

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Accidents & Tragedies

SS La Bourgogne Collision and Sinking

July 4th, 1898 126 years ago

SS La Bourgogne, a French ocean liner, collided with the Scottish ship Cromartyshire off the coast of Sable Island while en route from New York to Le Havre. The impact resulted in the sinking of La Bourgogne, leading to the tragic loss of 549 lives, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters of its time.

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Accidents & Tragedies

SS Atlantic Shipwreck Near Nova Scotia

April 1st, 1873 151 years ago

The White Star Line's SS Atlantic sank off Nova Scotia, resulting in the death of 547 passengers and crew. The ship, which was on a voyage from Liverpool to New York City, hit a rock during a storm near Meagher's Point. It struggled to maintain course and ultimately capsized, leading to one of the deadliest maritime disasters of its time.

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