Ernesti Arvid Panula

Who was Mr Ernesti Arvid Panula?

Mr Ernesti Arvid Panula was a 16 (sixteen) year-old Finnish-American passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on May 18, 1895, he was traveling with his mother and four brothers to join his father in Coal Centre, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Tragically, Ernesti did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family

A Finnish Family’s American Dream

Ernesti Arvid Panula was born into a Finnish family with aspirations of a better life in America. His parents were:

• Father: Juha Panula
• Mother: Maria Panula

Ernesti was part of a large family, which included at least four brothers:

1. Eino Viljam Panula
2. Jaako Arnold Panula
3. Juha Niilo Panula
4. Urho Abraham Panula

The Panula family’s story is a poignant example of the many immigrant families who sought new opportunities in the United States during the early 20th century.

The Fateful Journey

Boarding the Titanic

On April 10, 1912, Ernesti Arvid Panula, along with his mother and brothers, embarked on the RMS Titanic at Southampton, England. They were traveling as third-class passengers, reflecting the modest means of many immigrants of the time.

Key Details of Ernesti’s Titanic Journey:

• Ticket Number: 3101295
• Class: 3rd Class
• Embarked: Southampton
• Fare: £39 15s (equivalent to approximately £4,700 in 2023)

What was Ernesti’s destination in America?

Ernesti and his family were headed to Coal Centre, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This industrial city was a common destination for immigrants seeking work in the booming steel and coal industries of the early 20th century. The family was planning to reunite with Ernesti’s father, who had likely gone ahead to establish a foothold in their new home.

The Tragic Night of April 14-15, 1912

On the night of April 14, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg, leading to one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. As a third-class passenger, Ernesti Arvid Panula, along with his family, would have faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats.

What happened to Ernesti during the sinking?

Unfortunately, the details of Ernesti’s final moments are unknown. What we do know is that he, along with his mother and brothers, did not survive the sinking. The harsh reality of the Titanic disaster is reflected in the fate of the Panula family, as none of them were rescued.

“His body was never found.” - This stark statement encapsulates the tragedy that befell not only Ernesti but thousands of others on that fateful night.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Ernesti Arvid Panula remembered today?

While Ernesti’s life was cut tragically short at the age of 16 (sixteen), his story, along with those of his family members, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. The Panula family’s tale represents the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrant families, whose hopes for a new life in America were abruptly ended on April 15, 1912.

Today, Ernesti Arvid Panula is remembered through:

• Historical records and passenger lists of the Titanic
• Memorials dedicated to the victims of the disaster
• Genealogical research by descendants of Titanic survivors and victims

His story continues to be told as part of the broader narrative of the Titanic, ensuring that future generations remember the individual lives behind the statistics of this historic tragedy.

A Family’s Unfulfilled American Dream

The story of Ernesti Arvid Panula and his family is a stark reminder of the risks immigrants faced in pursuit of a better life. Their journey, cut short by disaster, exemplifies the fragility of human aspirations in the face of unforeseen circumstances. As we remember Ernesti, we honor not just his memory, but the memory of all those who bravely set out for new horizons, only to encounter tragedy on the frigid waters of the North Atlantic.