Ivan Staneff
Who was Mr Ivan Staneff?
Mr Ivan Staneff was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old Bulgarian passenger who tragically perished in the Titanic disaster on April 15, 1912. A young general labourer seeking new opportunities, Staneff’s journey on the ill-fated ship would be his last.
Early Life and Bulgarian Roots
Born in 1889, Ivan Staneff hailed from Bulgaria, a country in southeastern Europe known for its rich history and diverse landscapes. While specific details about his early life are limited, we can infer that growing up in Bulgaria during the late 19th century would have exposed Staneff to a rapidly changing political and social landscape.
A Journey of Hope: Embarking on the Titanic
Southampton Departure
Mr Ivan Staneff embarked on the RMS Titanic at Southampton, England, on April 10, 1912. As a third-class passenger, he was among the many hopeful immigrants seeking better opportunities across the Atlantic.
Ticket and Accommodation
Staneff’s journey was facilitated by ticket number 349208, which he purchased for £11 7s (equivalent to approximately £17 in total). This fare, while modest by today’s standards, represented a significant investment for a general labourer of the time.
Did you know? Third-class accommodations on the Titanic, while basic, were considered superior to those on many other ships of the era.
Life as a General Labourer
Ivan Staneff’s occupation as a general labourer offers insights into his life and aspirations:
- Versatility: General labourers often performed a variety of physical tasks, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.
- Economic motivation: Many immigrants sought work abroad due to limited opportunities in their home countries.
- Skill development: The experience gained as a labourer could potentially lead to more specialized work in the future.
The Fateful Night
On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg, leading to one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. As a third-class passenger, Mr Staneff faced significant challenges in reaching the lifeboats.
Survival Statistics for Third-Class Male Passengers
| Passenger Class | Survival Rate |
|---|---|
| Third-Class Men | Approximately 16% |
Unfortunately, Ivan Staneff was among the majority of third-class male passengers who did not survive the sinking.
Remembering Ivan Staneff
While Ivan Staneff’s life was cut tragically short at the age of 23 (twenty-three), his story represents that of many young, ambitious individuals who sought to build a better life through trans-Atlantic migration in the early 20th century.
Legacy of the Bulgarian Titanic Victims
Ivan Staneff was one of several Bulgarian passengers on the Titanic, highlighting the diverse array of nationalities represented on this fateful voyage. Their stories collectively illustrate the global nature of migration and the universal human desire for improvement and adventure.
How Do We Honor the Memory of Lesser-Known Titanic Victims?
Remembering passengers like Ivan Staneff is crucial in understanding the full human impact of the Titanic disaster. By acknowledging his journey, we give voice to the many ordinary individuals whose lives were irrevocably altered by this historic event.
In the grand narrative of the Titanic, it’s the stories of passengers like Ivan Staneff - young, hopeful, and tragically lost - that remind us of the very real human cost behind the statistics and headlines of this monumental disaster.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.