SIR: MP Lawrence Cunliffe and Viscount Goschen have to be thanked for looking into the 1912 Titanic disaster and for sending me a copy of the MAIB's (Marine Accident Investigation Branch's) 1991/92 re-appraisal of the affair.
There seemed to be many difficulties in reaching absolute conclusions. An inspector thought the Titanic wasn't seen by the Californian. The ice which surrounded the 'stopped' Californian was presumed to be thin. No formal objection was taken against Captain Stanley Lord following the Titanic's sinking, and it was concluded that the Californian (Lord's ship) couldn't have led to a different outcome. It is admitted that there were no real villains in the tragedy but there would have been some human failings.
It is also realised that there were contradictions and inconsistencies from witnesses!
The Titanic WAS repeatedly warned of the presence of icebergs. The warning weren't heeded.
All the same, gestures of amendment (statue commissioned, painting for placement in Bolton museum) won't be forthcoming as yet - The MAIB's re-appraisal didn't fully exonerate Captain Stanley Lord as thought.
Mr Kenneth Lucas
Park Road, Hindley
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article