Assad Torfa

Who was Assad Torfa?

Mr Assad Torfa was a 20 (twenty) year-old Syrian farm laborer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. He was a third-class passenger on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the luxurious ocean liner.

Early Life and Background

Syrian Origins

Assad Torfa was born in 1892 in Syria, which at the time included the area of modern-day Lebanon. Little is known about his early life, but his occupation as a farm laborer suggests a humble background.

Pursuit of New Opportunities

At the young age of 20 (twenty), Torfa made the bold decision to leave his homeland in search of better opportunities. This journey led him to book passage on the Titanic, embarking on what he likely hoped would be a life-changing voyage to a new world.

Titanic Journey

Embarkation at Cherbourg

Assad Torfa boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. As a third-class passenger, he would have been accommodated in the ship’s lower decks, where conditions were basic but still considered an improvement over other vessels of the time.

Ticket and Fare Details

• Ticket Number: 2673
• Fare Paid: £7 4s 7d (7 pounds, 4 shillings, and 7 pence)

This fare, equivalent to about £890 in 2023, represented a significant investment for a farm laborer, highlighting the importance Torfa placed on this journey.

Unknown Destination

While we know Torfa boarded at Cherbourg, his ultimate destination remains a mystery. Many third-class passengers were immigrants seeking new lives in America, but without concrete evidence, we can only speculate about Torfa’s intentions.

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. As a third-class passenger, Assad Torfa would have faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats, which were primarily filled with first and second-class passengers.

Tragic Outcome

Sadly, Assad Torfa did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At just 20 (twenty) years old, his life was cut tragically short, along with over 1,500 other passengers and crew members.

Legacy and Remembrance

Unidentified Remains

If Assad Torfa’s body was recovered from the icy waters of the Atlantic, it was never identified. This was unfortunately common for many third-class passengers, whose remains were often more difficult to identify due to lack of documentation or personal effects.

Historical Records

Torfa’s name appears in the official Casualty List (PRO BT 100/259-260) held at the Public Record Office, ensuring that his presence on the Titanic and his tragic fate are not forgotten by history.

A Life Remembered

While we know little about Assad Torfa’s personal life or aspirations, his story represents that of many young immigrants who bravely set out for new horizons, only to meet with tragedy. His inclusion in Titanic passenger lists and historical records ensures that his memory lives on, a poignant reminder of the human cost of the disaster.

Reflection on Titanic’s Third-Class Passengers

Assad Torfa’s story sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of third-class passengers on the Titanic. These individuals, many of whom were immigrants seeking better lives, faced the highest mortality rate during the sinking. Their stories, including Torfa’s, serve as a somber reminder of the class disparities that existed both on the ship and in society at large during the early 20th century.