Francisco Mauro Severiano Carrau

Who was Mr Francisco Mauro Severiano Carrau?

Mr Francisco Mauro Severiano Carrau was a 27 (twenty-seven) year-old Uruguayan businessman and first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on November 8, 1884, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Carrau was a prominent figure in his country’s business community, serving as an active member of the board of directors for Carrau & Co., a well-established import and maritime company.

Early Life and Family

Roots in Uruguay

Francisco Carrau was born into a prominent Uruguayan family. His parents were:

Father: Pedro Carrau
Mother: Antonia Rovira

Growing up in Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, Francisco was exposed to the family business from an early age, which likely influenced his future career path.

Business Acumen and Career

Rising Star at Carrau & Co.

Despite his young age, Francisco Carrau had already made significant strides in the business world. He held an important position as an active member of the board of directors at Carrau & Co., a company that had established itself as:

A well-known importer in Uruguay
A significant player in the maritime business sector

The company’s legacy was so strong that it continues to operate in Uruguay to this day, more than a century after Francisco’s untimely death.

Forward-Thinking Leadership

Francisco’s business acumen was evident in his approach to company management. He left behind detailed instructions on business procedures that proved to be invaluable to the company. These guidelines were so effective that they remained in use well into the 1950s, demonstrating Francisco’s foresight and strategic thinking.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Fateful Voyage

Francisco Carrau boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton on April 10, 1912. He was traveling as a first-class passenger, accompanied by his nephew (or possibly cousin), José Pedro Carrau. Their journey details were as follows:

Ticket Number: 113059
Fare: £47 2s (47 pounds, 2 shillings)
Class: First Class
Point of Embarkation: Southampton

A Display of Confidence

An interesting anecdote from family lore showcases Francisco’s assertive personality:

According to family legend, when they went to board the ship, their cabin had not been allocated. Francisco, maintaining his composure but exuding confidence, sought out someone in authority and threatened to cause a significant disturbance if the issue wasn’t promptly resolved. As a result, their cabins were quickly assigned.

This story highlights Francisco’s ability to handle challenging situations with a mix of calm and determination, traits that likely served him well in his business career.

The Night of the Sinking

Conflicting Accounts

On the tragic night of April 14-15, 1912, Francisco Carrau and his nephew were seen in the company of fellow Uruguayan passenger, Mr. Ramon Artagaveytia. Their behavior during these final hours is subject to conflicting eyewitness accounts:

Mr. Julian Padro y Manent’s Account:
- This second-class passenger and survivor reported seeing the three Uruguayan men in a jovial mood, appearing relaxed and even joking.
Mr. Elmer Z. Taylor’s Version:
- This first-class passenger, who survived along with his wife, provided a starkly different account. According to Taylor, the Carraus were not joking about the situation and seemed visibly alarmed.

These contrasting reports offer a glimpse into the confusion and varying perceptions of passengers during the ship’s final moments.

Legacy and Remembrance

Francisco Mauro Severiano Carrau, along with his nephew, tragically perished in the sinking of the Titanic. Their bodies were never recovered from the icy Atlantic waters. Despite his short life, Francisco left a lasting impact on his family’s business, with his management techniques influencing company operations for decades after his death.

The story of Francisco Carrau serves as a poignant reminder of the many promising lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His legacy lives on through the continued success of Carrau & Co. and the enduring memories preserved by his family and Titanic historians.