Titanic: Ship of Dreams - Episode 9: The Long Hours Before Dawn

Host: Paul McGann
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Produced by: Noiser Network

Introduction

In Episode 9 of "Titanic: Ship of Dreams," titled "The Long Hours Before Dawn," host Paul McGann delves deep into the harrowing final hours of the RMS Titanic. This episode captures the intense struggles, moral dilemmas, and human endurance experienced by those aboard the ill-fated ship as it met its tragic end on April 15, 1912.

Survival Amidst the Icy Depths

The episode opens with the dramatic account of Charles Joughin, Titanic's chief baker. As the ship sinks, Joughin's remarkable survival story unfolds:

• Joughin's Resilience: At 2:19 AM, as Titanic slides beneath the icy waters, Joughin remains steadfast. Even after witnessing the ship's stern tilt and eventual submersion, he manages to step into the water with astonishing composure, claiming he "doesn't even get his hair wet" ([00:33]).

• Role of Alcohol: A significant discussion revolves around whether Joughin's consumption of alcohol contributed to his survival. Professor Stephanie Barchevsky suggests that alcohol acted as a natural antifreeze, allowing him to withstand the cold longer ([06:13]). However, Dr. Josian Abisab counters this by explaining that while alcohol may have had some effects, it generally increases the risk of hypothermia by causing vasodilation, which can be dangerous in cold water ([06:40]).

  Professor Stephanie Barchevsky (06:13): "He starts drinking and so he is able to actually survive in the water for a lot longer because he's basically put this antifreeze in his blood."

  Dr. Josian Abisab, M.D. (06:44): "I certainly don't advocate for alcohol in hyperthermia situations... but it did in a way bolster his courage and decrease that feeling of cold."

The Brutal Reality of Hypothermia

The episode poignantly illustrates the merciless grip of hypothermia on Titanic's victims:

• Hypothermia's Toll: Dr. Abisab details the physiological effects of cold shock, shivering, and eventual loss of consciousness experienced by those in the water. He reflects on his great grandfather's likely fate, emphasizing the agonizing nature of such a death ([09:57]).

  Dr. Josian Abisab, M.D. (09:57): "In hyperthermia, death occurs in about 30 minutes. It is an agonizing death..."

• Victims' Silence: The absence of noise after the initial chaos is described as a "terrible" and haunting silence, symbolizing the tragic loss of life ([08:50]).

  Professor Stephanie Barchevsky (08:50): "You could hear the people screaming and threshing about in the water... the absence of noise meant that the people we'd left behind we'd never see again."

Controversial Decisions in Lifeboats

The narrative shifts to the ethical and tactical decisions made within lifeboats, highlighting human behavior under extreme stress:

• Lifeboat 1 – The Money Boat: Lifeboat One, intended for wealthy passengers, becomes a subject of controversy due to the actions of Sir Cosmo Doff Gordon and his wife Lucy. Their decision to offer money to crew members to prevent them from rescuing others is scrutinized.

  Host (19:13): "What they're paying off the crew members not to tell something nefarious."

  Susie Miller (19:24): "He got into hot water because of it... Sir Cosmo's bunch of fivers... the cowards of the Titanic."

• Collapsible B – A Struggle for Survival: The episode delves into the harrowing experiences aboard Collapsible B, where Joughin's great uncle Jimmy and Second Officer Charles Lightoller balance precariously on an upturned lifeboat. The dire situation forces crew members to make heart-wrenching decisions, akin to the tragic "trolley problem."

  Historian (27:03): "They grab the oars and they're going their own friends... that's what he undoubtedly had to do to live."

  Host (26:10): "It's a night of tough decisions... Horrifying experience."

Human Behavior Under Duress

Exploring psychological aspects, the episode features insights from Psychology Professor Jerome Chertkoff:

• Survival Instincts vs. Altruism: Chertkoff explains that in crisis situations, individuals prioritize their survival, often perceiving efforts to save others as risks to their own lives.

  Professor Jerome Chertkoff (23:04): "It's not panic. They're rationally deciding, I'm getting on this lifeboat... your life is now on the line."

• Group Dynamics: The difficulty of persuading a group to prioritize collective safety over individual salvations is highlighted, illustrating the complexities of human behavior in life-and-death scenarios.

  Professor Stephanie Barchevsky (21:51): "They're afraid that if they go back, so many people are gonna be trying and it's going to sink the lifeboat."

Conflicting Survivor Testimonies

The episode addresses the discrepancies in survivor accounts, particularly regarding the music played by the ship's band:

• Which Song Was Played?: Survivors like Vera Dick and information from wireless operator Harold Bride present conflicting versions of the final tunes, ranging from "Nearer My God to Thee" to the melancholic waltz "Songe d'Autonge."

  Klausjo Runwetterholm (15:14): "They played Near My God to Thee... Songe d'Autonge Autumn Dreams."

The Arrival of RMS Carpathia

As dawn breaks, the rescue vessel, RMS Carpathia, arrives amid a haunting scene of lifeboats surrounded by towering icebergs. This dramatic culmination sets the stage for the next episode, where repercussions and blame-shifting begin.

Personal Stories and Reflections

Interwoven throughout the episode are personal anecdotes that humanize the tragedy:

• Eva Hart: A seven-year-old passenger who lost her father, providing a child's perspective on the disaster ([08:50]).

  Host (09:39): "For seven-year-old Eva, that includes the father she left on the boat deck just half an hour earlier."

• Susie Miller: Reflects on her great grandfather Tommy's death, pondering the enigmatic moments he endured in the icy waters ([35:35]).

  Susie Miller (35:42): "I try, I suppose, not to think about the physical aspects... it's difficult to think about what it must have been like for him."

Expert Insights

The episode features expert analyses to provide depth and understanding of the events:

• Professor Stephanie Barchevsky: Offers historical context and examines the moral implications of decisions made in lifeboats.

• Dr. Josian Abisab, M.D.: Provides a medical perspective on hypothermia and the physiological challenges faced by Titanic's victims.

• Psychology Professor Jerome Chertkoff: Analyzes the psychological underpinnings of survivor behavior during the crisis.

Conclusion

Episode 9 of "Titanic: Ship of Dreams" masterfully captures the intense and often conflicting experiences of those aboard the Titanic during its final hours. Through a blend of personal stories, expert insights, and vivid recounting of events, Paul McGann paints a comprehensive picture of survival, sacrifice, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. The episode leaves listeners contemplating the profound moral and ethical dilemmas that defined that tragic night, setting the stage for further exploration in subsequent episodes.

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