S.S. New York Lifebelt
S.S. New York Lifebelt Image: Detail of authority stamp
S.S. New York Lifebelt Image: Lifebelt inspection, c. 1912, taking place onboard S.S. New York.
S.S. New York Lifebelt Image: This image, taken onboard Titanic, shows the near collision with S.S. New York.
  • S.S. New York Lifebelt, 1910
  • Canvas, Cork
  • 12 x 23 x 4 in
  • Inv: 401R.2023.010
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On April 10th, 1912, the S.S. New York was berthed in Southampton alongside the White Star Line's S.S. Oceanic. As Titanic passed by on her way out of the harbor, the suction created by her gigantic propellers tore the S.S. New York from her moorings and sent her on a collision course with the Titanic. The impending strike - which surely would have delayed Titanic's departure by days - was narrowly averted when Titanic's harbor pilot sent her port propeller into full reverse creating a wash of water that buffeted away the oncoming vessel, giving nearby tugs time to wrangle her. Titanic, as a result, went backwards for a brief period - seen by some as a bad omen...

This lifebelt, stamped as passing New York inspection authorities on January 25th, 1910, is purported to be from the S.S. New York, and would have been onboard during this harrowing event.

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