Ćerim Balikić

Who was Mr Ćerim Balikić?

Mr Ćerim Balikić was a 26 (twenty-six) year-old Bosnian laborer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. He was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey from his homeland to seek new opportunities in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Early Life and Background

Roots in Bosnia

Ćerim Balikić was born in 1886 in Krupa, Bosnia, which was then part of Austria-Hungary. Little is known about his early life, but his occupation as a general laborer suggests he came from a working-class background.

Family Ties

Although details about his family are scarce, we know that Balikić was married at the time of his fateful journey. His father, Mujo Boltić, resided in Bosne-Krupe and would later receive compensation for his son’s tragic fate.

The Journey to a New Life

Embarking on the Titanic

Mr Balikić boarded the Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912. He was one of many European immigrants seeking a better life in America, a common narrative among third-class passengers on the ill-fated ship.

Ticket and Travel Details

Ticket Number: 349248
Fare: £7 17s 11d (equivalent to 293 Swiss francs)
Class: Third Class
Point of Embarkation: Southampton
Destination: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Interestingly, Balikić purchased his ticket from Viktor Klaus-Wildi, an agent in Buchs, Switzerland. This detail provides insight into the complex network of ticket agents and the routes taken by immigrants to reach their ports of departure.

Traveling Companions

Balikić didn’t travel alone. He was accompanied by three other Bosnians from the same area:

Redžo Delalić
Tido (Ejdo) Rekić
Husein Sivić

These men likely provided each other with companionship and support during what must have been an exciting but daunting journey.

The Tragic Sinking

What Happened to Ćerim Balikić?

Like many third-class passengers, Ćerim Balikić did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the young age of 26, his life was cut short, along with those of his traveling companions.

Recovery Efforts

“Balikić died in the sinking, his body, if recovered, was never identified.”

This poignant statement underscores the chaos and tragedy of the disaster. Many victims were never found or identified, leaving their families without closure.

Legacy and Remembrance

Financial Compensation

In the aftermath of the disaster, the Titanic Relief Fund provided some financial support to the families of victims. Ćerim’s father, Mujo Boltić, received £60 as compensation for his son’s death - a sum that, while unable to ease the pain of loss, may have provided some financial relief.

Memorial in Bosanska Krupa

On April 15, 2012, exactly 100 years after the Titanic’s sinking, a memorial was erected in Bosanska Krupa. This monument stands as a tribute to Balikić and the three other Bosnians who perished in the disaster, ensuring their story is not forgotten in their homeland.

Reflection on Immigration and Tragedy

Ćerim Balikić’s story is a poignant reminder of the risks undertaken by immigrants in pursuit of a better life. His journey, cut tragically short, represents the hopes and dreams of countless individuals who crossed oceans in search of new opportunities. While his life ended prematurely, the memorial in Bosanska Krupa ensures that his story, and those of his compatriots, continues to be told, serving as a lasting testament to their bravery and sacrifice.