Ivan Stanković

Who was Mr Ivan Stanković?

Mr Ivan Stanković was a 33 (thirty-three) year-old Croatian laborer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a third-class passenger, Stanković embarked on what was meant to be a journey of hope and opportunity, only to become one of the many victims of one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Early Life and Background

A Croatian Laborer’s Roots

Born in 1879 in Galgovo, Croatia, Ivan Stanković spent his early years in a region that was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Like many of his countrymen, Stanković worked as a general laborer, likely facing the economic challenges that prompted many Eastern Europeans to seek better opportunities across the Atlantic.

The Decision to Emigrate

What compelled Ivan Stanković to leave his homeland? While we can’t know his exact motivations, many Croatians in the early 20th century were drawn to America by:

• Promises of higher wages
• The prospect of land ownership
• Escape from political instability
• Dreams of a better life for future generations

The Fateful Journey

Embarking on the Titanic

Mr. Stanković boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. As a third-class passenger, he would have experienced the ship differently from those in first and second class, but even so, the Titanic’s third-class accommodations were considered superior to many other ships of the time.

The Ticket to a New Life

To secure his passage to New York City, Stanković purchased a third-class ticket through the agent Im Obersteg & Cie., Basel. The details of his ticket reveal much about the economic realities of the time:

• Ticket Number: 349239
• Cost: 250 Swiss francs (£8 13s 9d)

This substantial investment, equivalent to several months’ wages for many laborers, underscores the magnitude of Stanković’s commitment to starting a new life in America.

The Tragic Night

April 14-15, 1912

As the Titanic struck the iceberg on that fateful night, passengers like Ivan Stanković faced numerous challenges:

• Limited access to upper decks
• Language barriers
• Lack of clear information about the severity of the situation

Tragically, Stanković did not survive the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his final moments shrouded in mystery.

Legacy and Remembrance

A Family’s Loss

The ripples of the Titanic disaster reached far beyond the icy waters of the North Atlantic. In the aftermath of the tragedy:

• Stanković’s brother, Mije Stanković, received £40 from the Titanic relief fund
• This payment, while unable to compensate for the loss of a loved one, was part of efforts to provide some support to the families of victims

Preserving the Memory

Today, Ivan Stanković’s name is remembered alongside the thousands of others who perished in the Titanic disaster. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the tragedy and the dreams of countless immigrants that were cut short on that April night.

What Can We Learn from Ivan Stanković’s Story?

Ivan Stanković’s journey on the Titanic encapsulates the hopes and tragedies of many third-class passengers. His story prompts us to consider:

• The bravery of those who left everything behind in search of a better life
• The socio-economic disparities that influenced survival rates on the Titanic
• The importance of preserving the stories of all passengers, regardless of their class or background

As we reflect on the life of Ivan Stanković, we’re reminded that behind every name on the passenger list was an individual with hopes, dreams, and a story that deserves to be told and remembered.