The Titanic’s story is one of tragedy, grandeur, and a ship that sailed into infamy. But beyond the well-known history of its construction, maiden voyage, and eventual sinking lies a tapestry of strange and eerie coincidences that boggle the mind. Each of these peculiar tales adds a layer of mystery to an event already shrouded in legend. From prophetic novels to uncanny alignments in time, the coincidences surrounding the Titanic are as captivating as they are chilling. Let’s dive deep into these six unbelievable Titanic stories.
1. The Prophetic Novel: “The Wreck of the Titan”
The first coincidence in our list is so mind-bending that it feels almost impossible to believe. In 1898, a full 14 years before the Titanic set sail, American author Morgan Robertson wrote a novella titled Futility, or the Wreck of the Titan. The plot? A massive, “unsinkable” ocean liner called the Titan strikes an iceberg during its maiden voyage and sinks in the North Atlantic.
What makes this coincidence particularly eerie is the level of detail Robertson included in his fictional disaster. The Titan, like the Titanic, was described as the largest vessel afloat at the time, measuring 800 feet in length (Titanic was 882 feet) and capable of reaching 24-25 knots (Titanic could reach 21 knots). Both ships carried a woefully inadequate number of lifeboats, and both sank in April after hitting an iceberg.
Even more astonishing is the aftermath of the sinking in Robertson’s novel. In the story, many of the Titan’s passengers perish because of the lack of lifeboats, which mirrors the real-life tragedy where over 1,500 lives were lost under eerily similar circumstances. While some argue that Robertson’s story was simply a coincidence borne from the growing confidence in engineering marvels of the time, the uncanny parallels between the Titan and the Titanic continue to spark fascination.
2. The Curse of the Egyptian Mummy
If you thought the Titanic’s story was strange enough, wait until you hear about the so-called “Curse of the Unlucky Mummy.” This mummy, rumored to bring misfortune to those who possess it, was supposedly aboard the Titanic when it sank. The tale begins in the late 19th century when a British collector acquired the sarcophagus lid of an Egyptian high priestess, dating back to 950 BC. From that moment, misfortune seemed to follow everyone who encountered the artifact.
As the story goes, the artifact was being shipped to America in the Titanic’s cargo hold when disaster struck. Though there’s no concrete evidence that the mummy’s lid was actually on board, the legend gained traction after the sinking, with many survivors and maritime enthusiasts perpetuating the tale. The connection between ancient Egyptian curses and the ship’s ill-fated voyage was too tantalizing for the public to resist, blending fact, fiction, and a dose of the supernatural.
However, historians and skeptics have debunked the myth, pointing out that the mummy’s remains never left the British Museum, where they have been on display for decades. Despite this, the story of the mummy’s curse endures, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to the Titanic’s tragic voyage.
3. The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Keys
Among the many stories of tragedy and heroism on the Titanic, there is one strange and mysterious tale that stands out: the case of the disappearing keys. As the Titanic set sail on its fateful maiden voyage, it carried with it all the necessary precautions for safety, including a storage locker filled with binoculars that were to be used by the lookouts to spot any potential hazards, such as icebergs.
However, as the ship sailed across the Atlantic, it was discovered that the key to this crucial locker was missing. It turns out that the key had been left behind with Second Officer David Blair, who was removed from the Titanic’s crew at the last minute. In his rush to leave the ship, Blair accidentally took the key with him, leaving the lookouts without the essential equipment they needed.
This seemingly small oversight had catastrophic consequences. Without the binoculars, the lookouts were unable to spot the iceberg in time to avoid the collision that would ultimately lead to the Titanic’s sinking. The key itself, now a haunting relic of the tragedy, is a chilling reminder of how even the smallest details can play a role in the most devastating events.
4. The Astounding Rescue of the SS Californian
One of the most puzzling aspects of the Titanic disaster is the role of the SS Californian, a ship that was just a few miles away when the Titanic sank. The Californian’s crew reportedly saw the Titanic’s distress flares but did not respond immediately, thinking they were signals for something less urgent. This decision—or indecision—has been a source of controversy ever since.
What makes this situation even stranger is that the SS Californian was actually in a unique position to assist. Earlier that night, the ship had stopped in the ice field to avoid a potential collision, placing it within striking distance of the Titanic. Had the crew interpreted the signals correctly, they might have been able to save hundreds of lives.
Adding to the eerie coincidence is the fact that the SS Californian itself became a victim of a maritime disaster just three years later. In 1915, the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine during World War I and sank, taking with it the haunting memories of its failure to act during the Titanic tragedy.
5. The Uncanny Survival of the Drunk Baker
Among the numerous tales of tragedy and loss from the Titanic’s sinking, one story stands out for its sheer improbability: the survival of Chief Baker Charles Joughin. What makes Joughin’s survival particularly strange is not just that he was one of the few to survive the freezing Atlantic waters, but how he managed to do so—thanks, in part, to alcohol.
Charles Joughin was responsible for loading provisions onto the lifeboats as the Titanic sank. After completing his duties, Joughin took to “fortifying” himself with a substantial amount of whiskey. When the ship finally plunged into the icy waters, Joughin chose not to rush for a lifeboat but instead clung to the ship’s stern, riding it down as it sank.
What’s truly uncanny is that despite spending hours in the frigid ocean—conditions that killed hundreds of others within minutes—Joughin emerged relatively unscathed. He later attributed his survival to the alcohol in his system, which may have helped stave off the initial shock of the cold, allowing him to keep moving and remain conscious until he was rescued by the RMS Carpathia.
Joughin’s story is not only one of incredible luck but also one of the most bizarre coincidences of the Titanic disaster. While alcohol is typically known to increase the risk of hypothermia, in Joughin’s case, it seemingly contributed to his miraculous survival.
6. The Tragic Fate of Captain Smith’s Dog
The final coincidence on our list involves a story of loyalty and loss that echoes the human tragedy of the Titanic’s sinking. Captain Edward Smith, the Titanic’s commander, was known to be a dog lover. Among his canine companions was a dog named Ben, a beloved family pet that had accompanied him on previous voyages.
According to some accounts, Ben was supposed to be on board the Titanic with Captain Smith but was left behind at the last minute. In an unfortunate twist, Ben reportedly died just a few days later, possibly from grief or a broken heart. This tragic coincidence highlights the close bond between Captain Smith and his dog, adding a poignant footnote to the captain’s own fate.
While the story of Ben’s death is less documented than other aspects of the Titanic’s tale, it serves as a reminder of the human—and animal—cost of the disaster. The loss of Captain Smith, one of the most experienced and respected seamen of his time, was devastating, but the story of his dog adds a tender and sorrowful touch to an already heartbreaking narrative.
Final Thoughts
The Titanic’s story is one of epic proportions, filled with grandeur, tragedy, and mystery. These six strange coincidences only deepen the enigma, inviting us to ponder the thin line between fate and chance. Whether you believe in omens, curses, or the uncanny, there’s no denying that the Titanic’s legacy is as complex as it is compelling. Each coincidence adds another layer to the narrative, ensuring that the Titanic’s story will continue to captivate and mystify for generations to come.