Titanic Lifeboats in Davits Prior to Departure
The contraptions here are lifeboats positioned in their davits on the Titanic just before the ship’s departure. A davit is a type of small crane on a ship, commonly used in pairs to raise or lower the life vessels. These came in handy when the historical tragedy occurred.
The protocol during the Titanic disaster prioritized women and children for lifeboat allocation. As a result, 72% of women, 50% of children, and only 16% of men survived. Interestingly, private papers of the Titanic’s safety supervisor reveal he asked for 50% more lifeboats, but the White Star Line forced him to back down.
