Events To Mark 100 Years Since Titanic

Titanic commemoration events in the region are gathering pace with more than 650 descendants on the quayside and a flotilla of craft attending the re-enactment of the ship’s departure from Southampton in a special ceremony on April 10.

At midday on April 10, exactly 100 years since she set sail on her maiden voyage to New York, a recording of the ship’s whistle will sound around the port where most of her crew lived – and from which more than 500 households lost at least one family member.

Titanic's departure will be re-enacted when the tug tender Calshot, which was built in the same era to manoeuvre the world’s greatest ocean liners and ferry passengers, sails from 43/44 berth, followed by a flotilla of craft.

Trevor Thorne, director of communications at Southampton Solent University, said: “We are very gratified at the response we have received from our appeal for relatives. I think it shows that Titanic strikes a special chord people. Arrangements for the commemorative event are now well underway and I am confident that it will be a fitting and appropriate tribute to those who lost their lives.”

Boat and yacht owners in the region can also get involved in joining the flotilla of craft following Calshot and it is anticipated that all ships in and around the port will sound their whistles as a mark of respect.

More than 1,500 passengers and crew lost their lives, 549 from Southampton.

It takes place in Ocean Terminal which overlooks the Titanic berths, where descendants of the tragedy will join civic dignitaries, representatives of maritime organisations and business and community leaders.

The announcement comes as the final countdown to citywide commemorative events begins, including the opening of the £15m Titanic-themed SeaCity Museum also on April 10.

The event has been organised by dock owners Associated British Ports and Southampton Solent University.

Businesses including Red Funnel, Tug Tender Calshot, Solent Stevedores, Williams Shipping, Svitzer, ngs and Matt Bundy Events have also lent their support.

If you had any relatives on board Titanic or would like to be involved in the flotilla of craft, call Glenn Gardner on 07977 422505 between the hours of 9am to 5pm or email Titanic100@live.co.uk