Husein Sivić

Who was Mr Husein Sivić?

Mr Husein Sivić was a 40 (forty) year-old Bosnian labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. He was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey from his homeland to seek new opportunities in America, specifically in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Early Life and Background

A Son of Bosnia

Born in 1872 in Krupa, Bosnia, then part of Austria-Hungary, Husein Sivić grew up in a region known for its rich cultural heritage and complex history. The late 19th century was a time of significant change in the Balkans, and it’s likely that these socio-political shifts influenced Sivić’s decision to seek a new life across the Atlantic.

Family and Occupation

Mr Sivić was a married man with three children, demonstrating his role as a family provider. His occupation as a general labourer suggests a life of hard work and practical skills, qualities that would have been valuable in the rapidly industrializing United States of the early 20th century.

The Fateful Journey

Embarking on a Dream

In April 1912, Husein Sivić took the bold step of leaving his homeland for the promise of a better life in America. He boarded the Titanic at Southampton, carrying with him the hopes and dreams of his family back in Bosnia.

Ticket and Travel Details

Sivić’s journey was meticulously planned:

Ticket Number: 349251
Ticket Price: £7 17s 11d (equivalent to 293 Swiss francs)
Travel Agent: Viktor Klaus-Wildi, Buchs
Destination: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The cost of the ticket, a significant sum for a labourer at the time, underscores the magnitude of Sivić’s investment in his future.

Companions in Travel

Interestingly, Sivić did not travel alone. He was accompanied by three other Bosnians from the same area:

Ćerim Balikić
Redžo Delalić
Tido (Ejdo) Rekić

This small group of compatriots likely provided each other with comfort and support during the daunting transoceanic journey.

The Tragic Night

Fate on the Atlantic

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and began its descent into the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. As a third-class passenger, Sivić’s chances of survival were significantly reduced due to the limited access to lifeboats and the ship’s upper decks.

A Life Lost

Husein Sivić perished in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his family without the closure of a proper burial. The loss of Sivić, along with his three Bosnian companions, represented not just personal tragedies but the dashing of hopes for entire families and communities back in Bosnia.

Legacy and Remembrance

Support for the Bereaved

In the aftermath of the disaster, the Mansion House Titanic Relief Fund provided support to the families of those lost. Sivić’s widow and three children received a grant of £120 (Fund Number P267), a sum that, while unable to replace their lost loved one, would have provided some financial relief during a time of great sorrow.

A Memorial in Bosnia

On April 15, 2012, exactly 100 years after the Titanic’s sinking, a poignant memorial was erected in Bosanska Krupa. This monument stands as a testament to the four Bosnian lives lost in the disaster, including Husein Sivić. It serves as a reminder of the global impact of the Titanic tragedy and the individual stories of those who perished.

Reflection on a Life Cut Short

Husein Sivić’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. At 40 years old, he was in the prime of his life, seeking to build a better future for his family. His journey from the hills of Bosnia to the decks of the world’s most famous ship encapsulates the immigrant experience of the early 20th century – a tale of hope, courage, and ultimately, tragedy.

In remembering Husein Sivić, we honor not just one man, but the countless individuals who have risked everything in search of a better life, their stories forever intertwined with the epic tale of the Titanic.