Hammad Hassab

Who was Mr Hammad Hassab?

Mr Hammad Hassab (حمد حسب بريك, Hamad Brik) was a 27 (twenty-seven) year-old Egyptian survivor of the Titanic disaster. Born in Cairo in 1885, he was a multilingual dragoman (translator, guide, and interpreter) who worked for Thomas Cook & Son at the renowned Shepheard’s Hotel in Cairo. Hassab’s linguistic skills and his connection to the Harper family would play a crucial role in his Titanic journey and ultimate survival.

Early Life and Career

A Man of Many Tongues

Born in 1885 in the bustling city of Cairo, Egypt, Hammad Hassab grew up to become a man of diverse talents. While he initially owned farmland, his true calling lay in his exceptional linguistic abilities. Fluent in French, English, and German, Hassab found his niche in the burgeoning tourism industry of early 20th century Egypt.

From Farmland to Shepheard’s Hotel

Hassab’s career took a significant turn when he secured a position with Thomas Cook & Son, one of the world’s oldest travel companies. His multilingual skills made him an invaluable asset as a dragoman at the famous Shepheard’s Hotel in Cairo. This role required him to act as:

• Translator for international guests
• Guide for tourists exploring Egypt’s wonders
• Interpreter in various situations

His position at Shepheard’s Hotel, a landmark of luxury and exoticism, would eventually lead to connections that would change the course of his life.

The Titanic Journey

How did Hassab come to be on the Titanic?

Hammad Hassab’s presence on the Titanic was not a matter of chance, but rather a result of his professional connections. He was invited to join the journey by Henry Sleeper Harper, a member of the prominent Harper publishing family. This invitation highlights the esteem in which Hassab was held by his wealthy clientele.

Titanic Boarding Details

• Embarkation Point: Cherbourg, France
• Ticket Number: PC 17572 (Harper)
• Class: First Class
• Cabin: D49
• Ticket Price: £76 14s

Hassab boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg on April 10, 1912, as part of the entourage of Henry Sleeper Harper and his wife, Myra Raymond Harper. His first-class accommodations reflected his status as a valued servant and companion to the Harpers.

The Night of the Disaster

Survival and Rescue

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, Hassab’s fate hung in the balance along with over 2,200 other souls on board. Fortunately, he was among those who managed to secure a place in a lifeboat.

Rescue Details:

• Lifeboat Number: 3
• Time of Launch: Approximately 1:00 AM, April 15, 1912

Hammad Hassab, along with the Harpers, was rescued by the RMS Carpathia, which arrived at the scene of the disaster in the early hours of April 15.

After the Rescue

A Message Home

One of Hassab’s first actions upon rescue was to send a message to his family in Egypt. On April 18, 1912, at 5:20 AM, he sent a Marconigram to his brother:

Said Hassat Mena House Cairo, Egypt All safe Hammad

This brief message, conveying his survival, must have brought immense relief to his family, especially considering that his wife, Fatima Hussein Kamel Katukhdh Kharbotli, was pregnant at the time of his Titanic journey.

Later Life and Legacy

What became of Hammad Hassab after the Titanic?

Details of Hammad Hassab’s life after the Titanic disaster are scarce. We know that he survived the traumatic event and returned to his life in Egypt. He lived for many decades after the disaster, passing away in 1965 at the age of 80 (eighty).

The Only Known Photograph

Intriguingly, only one photograph of Hammad Hassab is known to exist, taken in his later years. This image serves as a poignant reminder of a man who witnessed one of the most famous maritime disasters in history and lived to tell the tale.

Hammad Hassab’s story is a fascinating glimpse into the diverse backgrounds of Titanic passengers. From the ancient streets of Cairo to the luxurious corridors of the Titanic, and finally to the icy waters of the North Atlantic, his journey encapsulates the global nature of the disaster and the remarkable stories of survival that emerged from that fateful night.