Who was Mrs Argene Del Carlo?

Mrs Argene Del Carlo, born Argene Genovesi, was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old Italian survivor of the Titanic disaster. She embarked on the ill-fated voyage with her husband, Sebastiano Del Carlo, as second-class passengers bound for California. Argene’s remarkable story includes her survival of the sinking, a controversial incident involving a baby on a lifeboat, and her eventual return to Italy, where she rebuilt her life and family.

Early Life and Family

Argene Genovesi was born on November 6, 1887, in Montecarlo, Province of Lucca, Italy. She was the daughter of Agosto Genovese, a resident of Montecarlo. Little is known about her early life, but her Italian heritage would play a significant role in her journey and experiences aboard the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

Argene and her husband Sebastiano boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as second-class passengers. Their ultimate destination was California, a journey that held the promise of new opportunities in America. The couple purchased ticket number SC/PARIS 2167, which cost them £27 14s 5d (27 pounds, 14 shillings, and 5 pence).

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, when the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Argene’s life changed forever. While she managed to survive the disaster, her husband Sebastiano tragically perished in the sinking.

Survival and Controversy

Rescue by the Carpathia

Argene was among the survivors rescued by the RMS Carpathia. However, the specific lifeboat she escaped in remains unknown, adding a layer of mystery to her survival story.

The Baby Incident

A controversial story surrounds Argene’s rescue, though its authenticity is debated:

When the lifeboat was being lowered, a baby was allegedly given to Argene to hold. Later, on the Carpathia, the child’s mother sought to reclaim the infant. However, an Italian woman, possibly Argene, claimed the baby as her own. The dispute was reportedly settled when it was discovered that the baby, Philip Aks, had a distinguishing birthmark unknown to the Italian woman.

This incident, while possibly apocryphal, highlights the chaos and emotional turmoil experienced by survivors in the aftermath of the disaster.

Life After the Titanic

Pregnancy and Return to Italy

At the time of the Titanic’s sinking, Argene was pregnant. On November 14, 1912, she gave birth to a daughter named Maria Salvata. Despite initially recording Chicago as her destination, Argene made the decision to return to Italy. She boarded the Cretic on May 18, 1912, just a month after the Titanic disaster, to make her journey home.

Second Marriage and Later Life

Argene’s life took another turn when she remarried on April 4, 1935, to Antonio Oreste Casata in Altopascio, Lucca. This new chapter in her life came more than two decades after the loss of her first husband on the Titanic.

Legacy and Death

Argene Del Carlo (née Genovesi) passed away on October 8, 1970, in Altopascio, Lucca, at the age of 82 (eighty-two). She was laid to rest in the Cimitero Comunale in Altopascio, leaving behind a legacy of survival and resilience.

Family Legacy

Argene’s daughter, Maria Salvata del Carlo, married Guido Triboli in the 1930s. They had two children:

• Sebastiano (born c. 1936)
• Sabatino (born c. 1940)

This continuation of her family line ensured that Argene’s story and the impact of the Titanic disaster would be remembered through generations.

Argene’s Place in Titanic History

Argene Del Carlo’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome tragedy. From surviving one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history to rebuilding her life in Italy, Argene’s journey embodies the complex and often heart-wrenching narratives of Titanic survivors. Her experience offers a unique perspective on the aftermath of the disaster, particularly for European passengers who chose to return to their homelands rather than continue to America.

As we reflect on Argene’s life, we’re reminded of the profound impact the Titanic disaster had on individuals, families, and communities across the world. Her story continues to fascinate historians and Titanic enthusiasts, offering valuable insights into the human experience of this historic event.