The Titanic tragically sank in 1912. There are few today who don’t know about the event, and probably even fewer who haven’t seen the famous 1997 film. However, there’s been a recent surge in interest because of the Ocean Gate tragedy. As a result, some descendants of those who lost their lives are speaking up, calling it “macabre.”
Descendant of a Titanic Crewmember
Author Julie Cook is the great-granddaughter of William Bessant. The name may not ring a bell for many people. However, there are a handful who will carry his legacy in their hearts forever. In fact, Julie Cook was so heavily influenced by her late great-grandfather that she wrote a book about him. As it turns out, William Bessant was a stoker for the Titanic. He, among 1,516 other passengers and crew onboard, lost their lives when it sank. While many are familiar with, even fascinated by, the wealthy who were on the ship, Cook wrote a book entitled “The Titanic Girls” to honor her great-grandfather, other crew members, and lesser-known names.
A Chance to Explore
In October 2022, she published “The Titanic Girls.” Alternatively, Cook was approached by a production company, working on a documentary about new tourism expeditions, viewing the Titanic. Because of her relation to a crew member, she was also invited to take part in a tour. OceanGate was founded in 2009. The company allows for a whole new branch of tourism. For hundreds of thousands of dollars, passengers can ride a submersible to view underwater canyons and shipwrecks.
Cook discloses that although she initially said yes, she had multiple reservations. Despite thinking this might be good publicity for her book, her first concern was safety. The roughly 7-8 hour trip sounded unsafe, and she was informed that the bathroom was, “behind a curtain with no real privacy.” Moreover, she would be taken down, more than 10,000 feet under the ocean, and the vessel would be bolted from the outside, meaning there was no real way to escape.
Titanic Takes More Lives
Ultimately, for various reasons, including the pandemic, the tour was canceled. A coincidence that would eventually reveal itself as a blessing in disguise. She feels relieved that she never took the trip given the recent demise of the Titan, Ocean Gate’s Titanic submersible.
Respecting the Dead
There was another thing Cook struggled with when it came to visiting the Titanic — respecting the dead, which would include her great-grandfather. After the recent news of the Titan, the submersible headed on a trip to view the Titanic; she’s now speaking out, urging people to let the deceased rest in peace. “Not only was it the final resting place of my great-grandfather but it was where 1,500 other souls met their end, too. Part of me wondered if this was macabre. Inappropriate. Wrong.” She explained.
Wishing peace for someone who’s passed is so common that people worldwide have been doing so for centuries. In fact, it’s also customary for cultures to have ceremonies or rituals to send their deceased off in peace. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Cook is not the only descendant of someone who perished in those icy waters just off the coast of Newfoundland.
Unveiling New Information
While researching for her book, Cook seems to have stumbled upon some information that’s lesser known to the public. Firstly, while Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio did a lovely job bringing the tragedy to life, many details were changed to make it a successful Hollywood film. For example, a young bellboy, just 16 years old, tried to get on one of the lifeboats but was told to ‘be a man” and instead, perish with the rest. Meanwhile, children were being ‘ripped from their fathers’ arms.’ The truth is that as heartbreaking as the movie may have been in certain scenes, it would be nearly impossible to grasp the reality of the tragedy.
Secondly, Cook points out another heart-hitting piece of information. She shows that the tragedies brought about when the Titanic sank don’t end there. She discloses that her great-grandfather was a mere 40 years old when he perished. Furthermore, he left behind a widow and five children. His income was one the family relied on, and after his death, their sons had to quit school to go to work.
Lastly, on a larger scale, she points out that wives, children, and other family members were gathered outside of the White Star Line building, facing a sea of questions, all the while on edge, waiting to find out whether or not their loved ones had survived. Cook isn’t the only descendant who wishes for the Titanic passengers to have a peaceful resting place.
Other Descendants Same Sentiments
She shares that another woman, Mhairi Derby-Pitt is the great-niece of Robert Millar. He was fifth Engineer, and only 26 when the Titanic sank. Derby-Pitt spends her days keeping her great-uncle’s memory alive by taking part in memorated ceremonies and events. “Like me, she thinks we have gained as much knowledge as we can from the doomed ship, and the site should simply be left alone.” Cook shared. “That said, she knows several people involved in this expedition and tells me her heart is breaking for them all.”
“Many descendants feel the same way about the wreckage and the Titanic industry as a whole.” the author also explained. “But it is high time we stopped this Titanic tourism and left the ship and her dead to rest.”
Keep Reading: Ocean Gate’s Stockton Rush Had Safety Concerns Before Accident
Sources
- “I’m so glad I never used a submarine to visit my great-grandfather’s grave on the Titanic… it’s time we left the ship to rest in peace, writes JULIE COOK.” Daily Mail. Julie Cook. June 21, 2023.
- “What to know about OceanGate, the company behind the missing Titanic submersible.“ ABC News Max Zahn. June 22, 2023.