What Happened to the Titanic’s Engines After the Collision?

The Titanic, hailed as 'the unsinkable ship,' faced its eventual fate on the fateful night of April 14, 1912. After hitting an iceberg, numerous questions have arisen about the state and operation of the ship's engines. This article delves into the truth behind the Titanic's engines after the collision. Whether the engines broke or merely stopped, the reasons behind this action are central to understanding the causes of the disaster.

The Immediate Impact and the Decision to Stop

The moment the Titanic struck the iceberg, it was a critical moment in maritime history. Captain Edward Smith and the crew knew they were in deep trouble. According to various accounts, the forward part of the ship was damaged, leading to a possible immediate cessation of the engines.

Many speculate that the engines were forced to stop due to the intricate design of the ship. When the Titanic hit the iceberg, it would have created pressure that could potentially exacerbate the damage to the boiler rooms and other critical areas. Operating the engines would have meant sending water into the breaches more quickly, which was not an option. Thus, stopping the engines was not merely a choice, but a necessity.

The Response to the Damage: Stopping the Engines

Contrary to popular belief, the Titanic's engines did not fail immediately. According to numerous witnesses and reports, the ship started moving approximately seven minutes after the impact. The crew likely tested the ship's seaworthiness during this period, which brought up the question of whether the ship could have continued its journey.

However, as the situation worsened, the movement of the ship became a threat. During the time the ship began moving again, the water likely rushed into the ruptures more rapidly, exacerbating the crisis. Bob canonicals, a Titanic expert, pointed out that this movement 'forced the water in perhaps 20 times faster than it was otherwise coming in.' In order to mitigate this, the men in boiler room five engaged in a crucial, albeit desperate, battle to halt the ship.

The Final Stop

Despite the crew's valiant efforts, the situation was too severe. Around 11:53 PM, Captain Smith issued the final stop order. By this time, the coal bunker behind boiler room five had been breached, leading to a catastrophic situation. The Titanic would never move under its own power again.

During the 2 hours and 40 minutes that followed, water inundated the ship, filling the compartments designed to prevent just such a catastrophe. The engineers and crew worked tirelessly to keep the ship afloat, but in the end, the damage was too great.

Conclusion

The Titanic's engines were indeed stopped, not because they broke, but because they had no other choice. The decision to stop the engines was a critical step in managing the aftermath of the collision. Understanding the reasons behind this action is crucial in comprehending the complexities and challenges faced by the Titanic's crew on that fateful night.

For those interested in more information about the Titanic, including comprehensive details on its engines, the collision, and the overall journey, visit

The Titanic, originally known as Titanic Collision, and the Titanic Engines, are key topics in maritime history. By understanding these events, we can better appreciate the design, the challenges, and the tragic circumstances that surrounded this legendary voyage.