View of the iceberg from the bridge.
Sunday, April 14, 1912 - 11:39 p.m.
Robert Hichens, Quartermaster:
"All went along very well until 20 minutes to 12, when three
gongs came from the lookout, and immediately afterwards a report
on the telephone, 'Iceberg right ahead.' The Chief Officer
(First Officer Murdoch) rushed from the wing to the bridge.
He rushed to the engines. I heard the telegraph bell ring, also
give the order 'Hard astarboard'. The sixth officer repeated the
order, 'The helm is hard astarboard, sir.' But during the time,
she was crushing the ice, or we could hear the grinding noise along
the ship's bottom. I heard the telegraph ring. The skipper came
rushing out of his room - Captain Smith - and asked, 'What is
that?' Mr Murdoch said, 'An iceberg.'"
© Paul Quinn 1996 - All contents of these pages.