Mr Adola Asim: A Syrian Labourer’s Tragic Journey on the Titanic

Who was Adola Asim?

Mr Adola Asim was a 35 (thirty-five) year-old Syrian-Lebanese general labourer who embarked on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. As a third-class passenger, Asim’s journey would tragically end with the sinking of the “unsinkable” ship on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

Born in 1877, Adola Asim hailed from the region then known as Syria, which today encompasses parts of modern-day Syria and Lebanon. Little is known about his early life, but his occupation as a general labourer suggests a working-class background.

The Journey to a New Life

Departure from Southampton

On April 10, 1912, Mr Asim boarded the Titanic at Southampton, England. He was among the thousands of third-class passengers seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic.

Ticket and Accommodation

Ticket Number: SOTON/O 2. 3101310
Fare: £7 1s (7 pounds and 1 shilling)
Class: Third Class

The relatively modest fare of £7 1s reflects the more affordable but less luxurious accommodations in the third-class section of the Titanic.

A Possible Connection to Argentina

Intriguingly, some sources suggest that Adola Asim may have resided in Buenos Aires, Argentina, prior to his fateful journey. This raises questions about his travels:

Was he returning to Argentina after visiting his homeland?
Or was he planning to join an established Syrian-Lebanese community in Buenos Aires?

The presence of a Syrian-Lebanese diaspora in Argentina during this period was not uncommon, as many sought economic opportunities in South America.

The Tragic Night of April 14-15, 1912

The Sinking of the Titanic

On the night of April 14, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. As the ship began to sink in the early hours of April 15, chaos ensued. Third-class passengers like Mr Asim faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats, which were insufficient in number and primarily accessible to first and second-class passengers.

Asim’s Fate

Tragically, Mr Adola Asim did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At the age of 35 (thirty-five), his life was cut short in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

The Aftermath

Recovery Efforts

In the days and weeks following the Titanic’s sinking, several ships were dispatched to recover bodies from the wreck site. However, Mr Asim’s body, if recovered, was never identified. This was unfortunately common for many third-class passengers, whose remains were often more difficult to identify due to a lack of documentation or distinguishing personal effects.

Legacy

While Adola Asim’s individual story may not be as well-known as some of the Titanic’s more famous passengers, his experience represents that of many third-class travelers – individuals seeking new opportunities and better lives, only to have their dreams tragically cut short.

Connections to Other Passengers

Interestingly, Mr Asim was known to have connections with other passengers on the Titanic, including:

Ali Ahmed
William Ali
Ali Assam

These connections suggest that Asim may have been part of a group of Syrian-Lebanese travelers, possibly journeying together in search of new opportunities.

Mr Adola Asim’s story, though brief in the annals of Titanic history, serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives lost in this tragic event, particularly those in third class who had the lowest chances of survival.