Hanna Boulos

Who was Mr Hanna Boulos?

Mr Hanna Boulos was an 18 (eighteen) year-old Syrian passenger who tragically lost his life in the Titanic disaster. A young general labourer from Kfar Mishki, Syria (now Lebanon), Boulos was among the many third-class passengers seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic.

Early Life and Origins

A Young Man from Kfar Mishki

Born in 1894, Hanna Boulos hailed from the village of Kfar Mishki in Syria, which is now part of modern-day Lebanon. Like many young men of his time, Boulos likely grew up in a rural setting, surrounded by the rich culture and traditions of the Levant.

Syrian or Lebanese?

While Boulos was identified as Syrian at the time of his journey, it’s important to note that:

• Syria and Lebanon were part of the Ottoman Empire until 1918
• The borders we know today were not established until after World War I
• Many “Syrians” from this period would be considered Lebanese by modern standards

The Journey to a New Life

Embarking on the Titanic

Mr Hanna Boulos boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. As a third-class passenger, he would have been accommodated in the ship’s lower decks, where conditions were modest but still an improvement over many other vessels of the time.

Ticket and Fare Details

• Ticket Number: 2664
• Fare Paid: £7 4s 6d (7 pounds, 4 shillings, and 6 pence)

This fare, equivalent to about £800 in today’s currency, represented a significant investment for a young labourer, underlining the importance of this journey in Boulos’s life.

Destination and Dreams

Boulos was traveling to Ottawa, Ontario, likely in search of better economic opportunities. Canada, with its growing economy and need for labour, was a popular destination for many immigrants during this period.

“The dream of a better life in the New World was a powerful motivator for young men like Hanna Boulos, driving them to undertake perilous ocean voyages.” - Titanic historian

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, Boulos would have faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats, which were predominantly filled with first and second-class passengers.

The Tragic Outcome

Sadly, Mr Hanna Boulos did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At just 18 years old, his young life was cut short in one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Life Unidentified

If Hanna Boulos’s body was recovered from the icy Atlantic waters, it was never identified. This sad fact was all too common for many third-class passengers and crew members who perished in the disaster.

Part of a Larger Story

While we know little about Hanna Boulos’s individual story, he represents the countless immigrants who risked everything for a chance at a better life. His story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster, particularly among those in third class.

Remembered in History

Today, Hanna Boulos is remembered along with all the other victims of the Titanic. His name is inscribed on memorials and his story, though brief, continues to be told as part of the larger narrative of the Titanic and early 20th-century immigration.

Mr Hanna Boulos’s short life and tragic end serve as a stark reminder of the dreams and aspirations that were lost on that fateful night in April 1912. Though he never reached his destination, his journey continues to resonate with us over a century later.