Have you ever heard of the Titanic? Most people have, and even a 10-year-old can tell you that an iceberg sank the famous ship. But did you know that some survivors have a different story? Let’s dive into one of these tales, which surprisingly doesn’t involve an iceberg at all.
In the spring of 1912, a 25-year-old Armenian publicist named Vahakn Dadrian was on his way to America aboard the Titanic. He had some health issues, but thanks to his father’s influence, he got the papers he needed to travel. Vahakn was excited to be on the Titanic, a ship everyone was talking about.
Onboard, he shared a cabin with three other men: two Englishmen and a Frenchman named Maureen. Vahakn and Maureen became friends quickly, as they were the same age and Vahakn spoke excellent French. They spent their time on the deck, in the saloon, and in the library, never imagining the ship would sink just days later.
On April 14th, they went to bed late. Shortly after midnight, a loud explosion woke them up. The lights went out, and the Englishmen were thrown from their bunks. Vahakn and Maureen helped them up and left the cabin, taking only a few belongings. Vahakn grabbed his passport and $54 in cash.
As they moved through the corridors, it became clear the Titanic was sinking. The crew was getting lifeboats ready, but they were only for women and children. Some men tried to sneak in, but gunshots were fired to stop them. Vahakn and Maureen realized they had to jump into the freezing water to survive.
With life vests on, they jumped into the icy North Atlantic. A sudden wave separated them, making the situation even scarier. The water was just 28 degrees Fahrenheit, and Vahakn felt his limbs go numb. He lost his life vest and was about to faint when he bumped into a lifeboat.
Unfortunately, the lifeboat was overcrowded, and the people onboard pushed him away with a paddle. They feared one more person would sink the boat. Miraculously, Vahakn later woke up on another ship, the Carpathia, which was rescuing survivors.
Vahakn couldn’t remember how he got there, but he was alive. In New York, he was taken to a hospital. Twelve days later, a woman named Mrs. Astor visited him. She had saved Vahakn by convincing the lifeboat crew he was her son. She had already lost her husband on the Titanic and didn’t want to lose anyone else.
After recovering, Vahakn reunited with his family in Boston and received the books he planned to sell in America. He lived a long and happy life, often sharing his story. Interestingly, he never mentioned an iceberg but spoke of an explosion.
Some believe a fire in the ship’s coal storage caused an explosion, weakening the hull before it hit the iceberg. Others suggest a German submarine might have been involved, but this is unlikely due to the peace in 1912 and the technical challenges of such an attack.
While the true cause of the Titanic’s sinking remains a mystery, it’s fascinating to hear different perspectives. Do you think an explosion might have played a role? Let us know your thoughts!
Imagine you are Vahakn Dadrian. Create a storyboard that illustrates the key events of his journey on the Titanic. Use drawings or digital tools to depict scenes like meeting Maureen, the explosion, and the rescue. This will help you visualize the story and understand the sequence of events.
In groups, role-play the scene where Vahakn is rescued by Mrs. Astor. Assign roles such as Vahakn, Mrs. Astor, and the lifeboat crew. This activity will help you empathize with the characters and explore the emotions involved in such a dramatic rescue.
Divide into two teams and debate whether an explosion or an iceberg was the primary cause of the Titanic’s sinking. Research both theories and present your arguments. This will enhance your critical thinking and public speaking skills.
Write a diary entry from Vahakn’s perspective on the night of the sinking. Describe his feelings, thoughts, and actions. This activity will help you practice creative writing and understand the personal impact of historical events.
Create a safety poster that could have been used on the Titanic. Include safety tips and emergency procedures. This will help you think about the importance of safety measures and how they can prevent disasters.
Titanic – A large and famous British passenger ship that sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg. – The Titanic was considered unsinkable until it tragically sank on its maiden voyage.
Iceberg – A large floating mass of ice detached from a glacier or ice sheet and carried out to sea. – The Titanic struck an iceberg, which led to its sinking in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Journey – An act of traveling from one place to another, often involving a long distance or significant experience. – The pilgrims embarked on a long journey to the New World in search of religious freedom.
Explosion – A violent and destructive shattering or blowing apart of something, as is caused by a bomb or a similar force. – The explosion of the volcano buried the ancient city of Pompeii under a thick layer of ash.
Lifeboat – A small boat carried on a ship to provide a means of escape in an emergency. – During the sinking of the Titanic, many passengers were saved by lifeboats.
Rescue – To save someone from a dangerous or distressing situation. – The rescue of the miners trapped underground was a miraculous event that captured the world’s attention.
Family – A group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or a common ancestor. – In Charles Dickens’ novel “A Christmas Carol,” the Cratchit family struggles to make ends meet but remains loving and supportive of one another.
Mystery – Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. – The mystery of the lost city of Atlantis has intrigued historians and explorers for centuries.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Learning about history helps us understand how past events have shaped the world we live in today.
Literature – Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit. – Shakespeare’s plays are considered some of the greatest works of English literature.
