On the 100th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Carpathia, the ship that rescued over 700 lives following Titanic’s tragic sinking, an exhibition to not only commemorate but celebrate the ship, was launched on board SS Nomadic by the great granddaughter of the Captain on that fateful night.
Although lesser known than RMS Titanic and Captain Smith, RMS Carpathia and Captain Rostron played a fundamental role in the Titanic story. The exhibition, which is running for one month (17th July – 17th August 2018), tells the story of how it braved dangerous ice fields and diverted all steam power to the engines for the Titanic rescue mission, as well as details of the journey back to New York and the aftermath, uniquely through the eyes of those whose relatives were on board Carpathia or were those rescued.
Relatives from as far away as America and Australia have supported the exhibition by submitting their stories.
Janet Rostron, commented, “As Captain Rostron’s great granddaughter, I’m delighted to be in Belfast to launch this exhibition, which showcases a selection of personal stories about Carpathia. It offers a truly unique perspective and uncovers new accounts of what happened to those who were saved and those who did the saving on that fateful night. I’m so thankful for those relatives who have sent images and stories to be included and that these will be showcased this summer at Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic.”
Judith Owens, Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic’s Chief Executive commented, “Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic tell the story of Titanic, from her conception in Belfast, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end, and Carpathia played a pivotal role in the story. This exhibition showcases Carpathia, the action she took and the lives she saved, and uniquely through the eyes of those on board or whose relatives were saved. We are proud that we could share these stories not only with Janet but with all our visitors from throughout the world this summer.”
The exhibition also charts her timeline from serving as a passenger ship, through her service in WWI to her sinking when she was serving as a Canadian and USA Expeditor Forces troop transport and was torpedoed off the Irish Coast.
Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic make up the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, located on the exact spot where RMS Titanic was built and launched. Described by the Guardian as “an inspiring testament to the Titanic and the city that built it”, the critically-acclaimed experience is a must-see for visitors in 2018 and beyond. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.
ENDS
Photo Caption: Janet Rostron on board SS Nomadic as she launches its latest exhibition, Commemorating Carpathia.
Notes to Editors
About Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is an iconic six-floor building featuring nine interpretive and interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, as well as the City and people which made her. It is the World’s Largest Titanic exhibition.
The building houses temporary exhibits, a banqueting suite, education and community facilities, catering and retail space, and a basement car park. Visitors learn about the construction of RMS Titanic and the wide and rich story of Northern Ireland’s industrial and maritime heritage.
Supported by the Northern Ireland Executive, Titanic Belfast is a unique public/private partnership funded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour and Titanic Quarter Ltd. It is operated by Titanic Belfast Ltd and owned by the Titanic Foundation Ltd.
Useful links:
• Titanic Belfast: www.titanicbelfast.com/
• Belfast City Council: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/
• Visit Belfast: www.visit-belfast.com/
• Titanic Quarter: www.titanic-quarter.com/
• Tourism Northern Ireland: www.tourismni.com/
• Titanic Foundation Limited: www.titanic-foundation.org/
For information on Titanic Belfast please contact:
Sarah Hamilton-Cardy
PR and Communications Executive, Titanic Belfast
Tel: +4428 9076 6380 or +447557641097
E: sarahhamiltoncardy@titanicbelfast.com
W: www.titanicbelfast.com
T: @titanicbelfast
FB: www.facebook.com/titanicbelfast