RMS CARPATHIA - 1912
As she appeared during the Titanic rescue
By Michael C Brady
a truested workhorse
Cunard Line’s vessel lineup at the turn of the 20th century featured a number of ships just like Carpathia; utilitarian and with an emphasis on cargo capacity as much as passenger comfort. Carpathia was one of three similar running mates including Saxonia and Ivernia and these trusted' ‘workhorses’ were massively overshadowed by the introduction of Lusitania and Mauretania. Regardless Carpathia provided a regular and comfortable service for Second and Third Class before First Class was added around 1905.
Today Carpathia is remembered as the vessel that rushed to Titanic’s aid when the latter struck an Iceberg and sank in April 1912. Under the command of Captain Arthur Rostron, R.N.R, Carpathia made all steam and preparations to embark hundreds, if not thousands of passengers and crew of the stricken White Star vessel - but by the time she arrived on-scene Titanic was long-gone. Despite this Carpathia recovered most of the lifeboats and all of their occupants and returned to New York.
Catapulted into stardom, the humble Cunarder went on to have a largely uneventful career and was eventually sunk during the First World War after having been torpedoed by a German U-Boat. This was not an end fit for a vessel of Carpathia’s heroic stature by any means!
explore the drawing
“Carpathia is a ship I had always wanted to draw for a number of reasons. First and foremost of course was the role she played in the Titanic sinking and rescue - but also the fact she is so representative of the majority of Cunard’s pre-war fleet. She also has lovely, balanced lines and makes for a very nice display!”
-Michael C Brady, October 2021
Carpathia's Clipper stern and aft steering platform. The two enormous aftermost cargo hatches are visible along with the large steam-powered winches employed for lowering loads of cargo deep inside the ship.
Carpathia’s Marconi office was installed above the Second Class Smoke Room in a refit.
Carpathia’s bridge was open and exposed to the elements, save for the wheelhouse which was enclosed in a timber-panelled room. Atop the bridge was fitted an additional compass binnacle as well as a Morse Lamp and Semaphore Telegraph.
Carpathia's bow; Titanic's desolate passengers would have gazed up in infinite gratitude and relief at these bronze letters on the morning of April 15, 1912.
