Gross Tonnage - 13,555

* Dimensions - 164.58 x 19.65m (540 x 64.5ft)

* Number of funnels - 1

* Number of masts - 4

* Construction - Steel

* Propulsion - Twin-screw

* Engines - Eight-cylindered quadruple-expansion

* Service speed - 14 knots

Builder - Swan & Hunter, Wallsend-on-Tyne

(engines by Wallsend Slipway Co.Ltd.)

Launch date - 6 August 1902

Passenger accommodation - 204 2nd class, 1,500 3rd class - 1905 -

100 1st class, 200 2nd class, 2,250 3rd class

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Details of Career

The Carpathia was primarily designed for the Hungarian emigrantservice between Fiume and New York and made its maidenvoyage from Liverpool to New York, via Queenstown on 5 May 1903. The accommodationwas far superior to anything previously offered to emigrants and the 3rd class accommodation was of a good standard. There were also public rooms for 3rd class passengers and all meals were included in the fare. The ship continued the Liverpool to New York service until November 1903 and then spent the winter carrying passengers from Trieste and Fiume.

On 17 May 1904 the Carpathia returned to the Liverpool-New York service. During the following years the ship would return to the Mediterranean service every winter, beginning with a positioning cruise from Liverpool to Naples. In 1905 the passenger accommodation was altered to accommodate 100 1st class, 200 2nd class and 2,250 3rd class passengers. By 1909 it was spending all year on the Mediterranean service, only returning to Liverpool at the end of each year for an annual overhaul.

The most memorable event in the Carpathia's career was the dramatic rescue dash made to pick up the survivors of the ill-fated Titanic. The Carpathia left New York on 11 April 1912, the same day that the Titanic was calling at Queenstown on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic. The Titanic struck an iceberg at noon on the 14 April,and when it became clear that the ship was sinking Captain Smith sent out distress signals. After receiving these signals Captain Rostron, of the Carpathia, immediately set a course to the Titanic's last known position, over 60 miles away, and travelling at full speed. At 4.00am the Carpathia arrived at the scene after negotiating surrounding ice fields.

The Carpathia picked up the survivors and lifeboats from theTitanic. 703 people were saved and 1,503 perished. As there was insufficient food on board to make it to Europe, Captain Rostron decided to sail back to New York. When it arrived at New York the full horror of the Titanic tragedy was learnt. Amidst the controversy and rumours that were rife over the next few months Captain Rostron, his crew and the Carpathia itself were beyond reproach.

Soon the Carpathia returned to its usual service, which continued until the outbreak of World War One. On 5 September 1914 the Crpathia incurred the wrath of the Italian government for failing to obtain an emigrant licence, which was required to carry their nationals, and was subsequently fined. The Carpathia continued its commercial service throughout the war, first operating from the Piraeus in Greece and then, in 1915, being transferred to the New York and Boston run from Liverpool.

On 17 July 1918 the Carpathia was travelling in convoy, bound for Boston, when it was struck by two torpedoes some 120 miles west of Fastnet. A third torpedo hit the ship as the lifeboats were being manned. Five of the crew were killed by the explosions. The remainder of the crew and the 57 passengers on board were picked up by HMS Snowdrop and safely brought to Liverpool. The Carpathia sank at 12.40am that day.