The popular belief regarding the Titanic's lifeboats overlooks crucial historical context. Lifeboats, as we understand them today, were not always present on ships. Before the late 18th century, vessels carried minimal boats primarily for transport, with little consideration for emergency evacuations. The turning point came in 1785 when Lionel Lukin patented the first 'unimmergable boat,' leading to innovations that made lifeboats more effective. Figures like Woudhave and Greathead later enhanced these designs, laying the groundwork for the lifeboats that would be critical in maritime disasters like the Titanic's sinking.
Helen Doe emphasizes that the historical narrative surrounding the Titanic's lifeboats needs re-evaluation, highlighting that lifeboats were a relatively recent innovation at that time.
For most of history, ships carried few boats meant for safety. When disaster struck, signaling for help was often the only hope to survive.
Collection
[
|
...
]