Mr José Pedro Carraú-Esteves was a young Uruguayan passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. At just 17 (seventeen) years old, he was one of the youngest first-class passengers on the ship’s maiden voyage. Tragically, his life was cut short when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912.
Early Life and Family
A South American Upbringing
José Pedro Carraú-Esteves was born on August 30, 1894, in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. He was the son of Francisco Carraú and Margarita Esteves. Despite being born in Argentina, José Pedro was a resident of Montevideo, Uruguay, highlighting the family’s connections across South America.
Family Ties on the Titanic
José Pedro was not alone on his fateful journey. He boarded the Titanic with his uncle (or possibly cousin) Francisco Mauro Severiano Carrau. This family connection adds a poignant layer to their shared tragic fate.
The Titanic Journey
Embarkation and Accommodations
Mr Carraú-Esteves boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton, England, as a first-class passenger. His ticket details provide insight into the luxury afforded to first-class travelers:
Ticket Number: 113059
Fare: £47 2s (47 pounds and 2 shillings)
The substantial fare reflects the opulent accommodations and services available to first-class passengers on the Titanic.
A Tragic End
Sadly, José Pedro Carraú-Esteves did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. At just 17 years old, he became one of the youngest first-class victims of the disaster. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that his traveling companion, Francisco, also perished in the sinking.
The Aftermath
The Search for Closure
In the wake of the disaster, many families sought information about their loved ones. For the Carraú-Esteves family, closure remained elusive. The bodies of José Pedro and Francisco, if recovered, were never identified. This lack of identification was not uncommon, as many victims of the Titanic disaster remain unidentified to this day.
Legacy and Remembrance
A Young Life Remembered
While José Pedro Carraú-Esteves’ life was tragically short, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse range of individuals affected by the Titanic disaster. At 17 (seventeen), he represents the young lives cut short and the potential unfulfilled due to this historic maritime tragedy.
Preserving the Memory
Today, José Pedro’s name is listed among the many victims of the Titanic, ensuring that his memory and the circumstances of his passing are not forgotten. His story contributes to the larger narrative of the Titanic, highlighting the global reach of the disaster and its impact on families from South America and beyond.
What Can We Learn from José Pedro’s Story?
José Pedro Carraú-Esteves’ tragic tale underscores several important aspects of the Titanic disaster:
The global nature of the passenger list, with individuals from various countries and continents
The indiscriminate nature of the tragedy, affecting both young and old, regardless of class or status
The enduring impact on families, particularly when closure through identification was not possible
As we remember José Pedro Carraú-Esteves, we are reminded of the individual stories that make up the larger tapestry of the Titanic’s history. His youth, his family connections, and his journey from South America to Southampton and onto the Titanic all paint a vivid picture of a life full of potential, tragically cut short on that fateful night in April 1912.
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.