Written by On April 10, 1912 the RMS Titanic, one of the largest and most luxurious ocean liners ever built, began its maiden voyage departing Southampton, England. Just four days into the journey, at 11:40pm, the ship failed to avoid an iceberg and ruptured at least five of its hull compartments. At 2:20 a.m. on April 15, the ship labeled “unsinkable” sinks into the North Atlantic Ocean about 400 miles south of Newfoundland, Canada. Of the 2,200 passengers and crew, more than 1,500 people died that day. This day is dedicated to their memory. Out of this tragedy, there were an estimated 705 survivors who lived to tell the story, including a little girl from London, England named Eva Hart.
“I was 7. I had never seen a ship before. It looked very big. Everybody was very excited. We went down to the cabin and that’s when my mother said to my father that she had made up her mind quite firmly that she would not go to bed in that ship. She would sit up at night. She decided that she wouldn’t go to bed at night and she didn’t!”
Eva Hart, Titanic Survivor
Eva boarded the ship with her parents as second class passengers because their original booking on the Philadelphia was cancelled due to a coal strike in Southampton. Her mother, Esther, was instantly worried about the trip, fearing some sort of catastrophe might happen. Esther felt calling a ship “unsinkable” was flying in the face of God. She would not only refuse to sleep, but would remain in her cabin fully dressed throughout the night when on the fourth evening, her worst fears would come true. Though only a child at the time, Eva would retain vivid memories of the tragedy that would unfold.
Soon after the Titanic struck the iceberg, her father, Benjamin, rushed into their cabin. Unlike her mother, Eva had been sleeping and was suddenly being wrapped in a blanket by her father and carried to the upper deck. Benjamin placed his wife and daughter in Lifeboat No. 14. From outside the lifeboat, he bent down and told Eva to “be a good girl and hold Mommy’s hand” as the boat was lowered into the water. These would be the last words little Eva would ever hear her father speak and the last time she would ever see him again.
“I saw that ship sink…I never closed my eyes. I didn’t sleep at all. I saw it, I heard it, and nobody could possibly forget it. I can remember the colors, the sounds, everything. It seemed as if once everybody had gone, drowned, finished, the whole world was standing still. There was nothing, just this deathly, terrible silence in the dark night with the stars overhead.”
Eva Hart, Titanic Survivor
Eva and Esther were picked up by the rescue ship RMS Carpathia and arrived in New York City on April 18. Eva would grow up to become one of the most outspoken survivors, specifically concerning the lack of sufficient lifeboats. She was stunned that so many had to lose their life to an act of nature simply because there were not enough lifeboats to save them. People disputed her claim that the ship broke in half until the discovery of the wreckage on September 1, 1985 proved she was right. Though she passed away at the age of 91, she left behind her autobiography, Shadow of the Titanic, where she tells her story. Despite experiencing tragedy at such a young age, Eva learned that even our worst memories of the past shouldn’t keep us from fearlessly moving into the future.
“People I meet always seem surprised that I do not hesitate to travel by train, car, airplane or ship when necessary. It is almost as if they expect me to be permanently quivering in my shoes at the thought of a journey. If I acted like that I would have died of fright many years ago—life has to be lived irrespective of the possible dangers and tragedies lurking round the corner.”
Eva Hart, Titanic Survivor
About the Doodlewash
M. Graham watercolors: Ultramarine Blue, Perylene Magenta, Azo Orange, Quinacridone Gold, Cobalt Teal, Cobalt Blue, and Nuetral Tint. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon black ink in a 5″ x 8″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal
So very sad…but what an inspiration Eva was! You did such a majestic doodlewash of that ship, Charlie! Beautiful! <3
Awww thanks Teresa!! 😃💕I had to go quick on this one, so I’m glad you like how it turned out. I tried to find a story with a little hope in it.
I appreciate you finding the uplifting side to the tragedy! And I’d never guessed that it was quick!
What a moving tribute to both those who lost their lives and to the survivors – and what an extraordinary story through the eyes of a 7 year old girl. Your watercolour as as sensitive as your writing – thank you Charlie for choosing this today and doing it so well.
Thanks so much for your wonderful comment! 😃💕I’m thrilled you think I did it justice. I’ve never attempted to draw a ship in my life. 😊
Wow – Wow – Wow – EXTRAORDINARY doodlewash of the Titanic, Charlie! And what a powerful story! Thanks for sharing Eva’s inspirational story with us. A very serious post today. You paid it such great reverence! 🙂
Thanks so much Jodi! 💕 I really wasn’t sure if I’d tackle this one, but figured it was a good challenge. Glad you liked Eva’s story and my first attempt at a ship. 😊
Very well done Charlie.
Thanks so much Susan. Appreciate it! 💕
Incredible Doodlwash of this grand ship. Such a fascinating yet horrible ordeal. I wonder if they are showing the movie on TV tonight; if not, they should!
Thanks Carol! 💕 I hadn’t thought about that, but I’m sure they must be somewhere. Probably the History channel. It’s the one thing I miss about not having cable now.
Wonderful memorial Charlie. Eva’s story is extraordinary, and your rendering of the ship is beautiful. (K)
Thanks so much Kerfe! I really appreciate it! 😃💕
This is beautiful! I love the angle you drew/painted her on. I can almost feel her pushing through the sea at top knot to make it to port on time.
Thanks so much! 💕 I’ve never drawn a ship before, so I wasn’t sure if I’d get it right. Glad you like how it turned out!
Very interesting facts Charlie, your painting perspective is beautiful!
Thanks Sharon! 😃💕 I’m so glad you liked this one. It was a bit of a challenge for me.
Your painting is so moving Charlie as is you written post, thank you.
Aww thanks so much, Cathe! 💕 This was a bit of a different kind of post for me.
Awesome rendering of that ship! Floating so majestically, like it could never sink. So many sad stories from the unsinkable.
Thanks Teri💕 I know…it’s so heart wrenching to read these stories. But Eva’s touched my heart so I had to share it
Wow! Your ship is most excellent Charlie! And what an inspirational story! 💕💖 Thank you for sharing your own risk in painting something new. Very impressive – your skills keep getting better and better, my friend! 🎨💕😊🚢
Awww thanks Jill! 😃💕 That’s so sweet of you to say. Yeah…I’ve never even attempted a ship before. It’s good to know this daily doodlewashing is showing signs of improvement. I can’t seem to tell. 😊
I can tell! You are doing AWESOME! 🌟💕🌟
Thanks for sharing such an inspirational story..
Till now only the movie Titanic made me feel the pain of survivors.
This is heart touching..
Thank you so much… I’m glad you found this post moving my friend.
You are most welcome..
Beautiful illustration Charlie! Thanks for the story and letting us know about Eva’s autobiography! 😊
Thanks so much Snehal! 😃💕I wasn’t sure what to post, so I figured I’d let Eva tell the story.
An amazing survivor’s story. And your painting shows the ship to be all formidable strength, as she was thought to be.
Thanks so much Sharon! 😃💕Glad you enjoyed this post!
Wonderful painting, gives a good feel of the grandeur. Great backstory, poignant and inspirational.
Thanks so much Haunani! 😃💕Glad you liked this post.
Very nice Charlie. I had not heard this particular story. I can’t even imagine. Thanks.
It’s truly impossible to imagine. So I figured I’d let Eva tell the story. Thanks Damita. 💕
Great doodlewash of the ship – you’ve caught the pomp of the vessel! I like how you did the seawater too.
What a very sad account, and one I’d not heard before; it’s one of those terrible events where you just can’t imagine what it’s like for the poor people caught up in it. Much to be taken from the final quote, though.
Thanks so much Jacob! I’ve never painted a ship before, so I figured this was a good opportunity. And yeah…was really not sure what to post with the image, but I really liked Eva’s strong will and resilience.
very nice illustration!
Thanks so much! Glad you liked this one. 😃
Thank you for the doodlewash and Eva’s story. And though people think of Leo and Kate when you hear Titanic, there was a real tragedy..I’m glad you reminded us of the real story. I’ve seen several exhibits about the Titanic and it it’s incredible how big it truly was and how tremendous the loss was.. ❤️
Thanks Kari 💕Yeah…the stories are so touching…it was truly a tragedy that never had to happen. A lesson in human ego I guess. Glad you liked this post!