Alfred Fernand Omont
Who was Alfred Fernand Omont?
Alfred Fernand Omont was a 29 (twenty-nine) year-old French cotton dealer and Titanic survivor. Born on September 25, 1882, Omont boarded the ill-fated RMS Titanic as a first-class passenger and lived to tell the tale of its tragic sinking. His experience during the disaster and subsequent rescue made him a noteworthy figure in Titanic history.
Early Life and Career
A French Business Professional
Alfred Fernand Omont hailed from Havre, France, where he established himself as a cotton dealer. His profession in the textile industry likely contributed to his ability to afford a first-class ticket on the Titanic’s maiden voyage.
The Fateful Titanic Journey
Embarking on a Luxurious Voyage
Omont boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. He traveled in first-class comfort, having purchased ticket number F.C. 12998 for the princely sum of £25 14s 10d (25 pounds, 14 shillings, and 10 pence).
What was Omont doing when disaster struck?
On the evening of April 14, 1912, Alfred Omont was enjoying a game of auction bridge, a popular card game of the era, in the Café Parisien. He was in the company of fellow passengers Pierre Maréchal, Paul Chevré, and Lucien Philip Smith when the Titanic collided with the iceberg that would seal its fate.
Survival and Rescue
A Place in Lifeboat 7
As the gravity of the situation became apparent, Omont, along with his companions Chevré and Maréchal, managed to secure places in lifeboat 7. This early-launched lifeboat would prove to be their salvation from the sinking ship.
Recounting the Rescue
Following their rescue, Omont and his fellow survivors shared their harrowing experience with the press. Their account of the disaster and subsequent rescue appeared in both the French newspaper “Le Matin” and the British publication “The Times,” providing valuable firsthand testimony of the events.
Life After the Titanic
Alfred Fernand Omont survived the Titanic disaster and lived for many years afterward. He passed away on March 18, 1948, at the age of 65 (sixty-five).
Final Resting Place
Omont’s final resting place is in the Cimetiere De Vaugirad in Paris, France. His grave can be found in Division 9, 1ere Ligne, Ordre 2, Cadastre 2, serving as a lasting memorial to his life and his part in one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.
Alfred Fernand Omont’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the Titanic’s tragic voyage and the lives it touched. His survival and subsequent account contributed to our understanding of that fateful night in April 1912, ensuring that the memory of the Titanic and its passengers lives on.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.