Dāhir Abī Shadīd

Who was Dāhir Abī Shadīd?

Dāhir Abī Shadīd was a 19-year-old Syrian (now Lebanese) passenger who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. He was a third-class passenger who embarked on the ill-fated voyage from Cherbourg, France, carrying with him hopes and dreams that were cut short by one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Early Life and Origins

Born in 1893, Dāhir Abī Shadīd hailed from Syria, an area that is now part of modern-day Lebanon. While details about his early life are scarce, his journey on the Titanic suggests he may have been seeking new opportunities in America, like many other passengers of his time.

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

Dāhir boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg on April 10, 1912. His ticket details provide insight into his travel arrangements:

• Ticket Number: 2698
• Class: Third Class
• Fare: £7 4s 6d (7 pounds, 4 shillings, and 6 pence)

This fare, equivalent to about £890 in 2023, represents a significant investment for a third-class passenger, highlighting the importance of this journey in Abī Shadīd’s life.

Life Aboard the Titanic

While specific details of Dāhir’s experiences on the Titanic are unknown, third-class passengers typically shared communal areas and had access to basic amenities. The ship’s grandeur, even in third class, must have been a stark contrast to the life he left behind in Syria.

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink. As a third-class passenger, Dāhir’s chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first or second class. Tragically, he did not survive the disaster.

Recovery and Identification

Body Recovery

Dāhir Abī Shadīd’s body was one of the few recovered in the aftermath of the sinking. The cable ship Mackay Bennett, tasked with recovering bodies from the disaster site, retrieved his remains, which were labeled as Body No. 9.

Description of the Deceased

The recovery records provide a poignant description of Dāhir:

• Estimated Age: 22 (though his actual age was 19)
• Distinguishing Features: Scar under the right side of chin, dark hair
• Clothing: Grey mixture suit; handkerchief with blue border
• Personal Effects:
  • Moustache brush
  • Pocket mirror and pencil
  • Purse containing French, Turkish, and Austrian money

These personal items paint a picture of a young man who took pride in his appearance and carried the currencies of various countries, perhaps indicative of his travels or his hopes for future journeys.

Misidentification and Final Resting Place

Interestingly, the health certificate found with the body bore the name “Nahil Schedid,” suggesting a possible misidentification or an alternative spelling of his name. Despite this discrepancy, the body was identified as Dāhir Abī Shadīd.

His remains were initially taken to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and then forwarded to Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1912, where he was likely laid to rest.

Legacy and Remembrance

Dāhir Abī Shadīd’s story is one of many that exemplify the diverse backgrounds of Titanic’s passengers. His journey from Syria to the decks of the Titanic, and his ultimate fate, serve as a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations that were lost in the cold waters of the North Atlantic.

Today, Dāhir is remembered not just as a victim of the Titanic disaster, but as a representation of the many immigrants who sought better lives by crossing the ocean, only to have their hopes tragically cut short. His story continues to be told, ensuring that the memory of this young Syrian man, like the Titanic itself, will never sink into obscurity.