Mr Jozef Draženović

Who was Jozef Draženović?

Jozef Draženović 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, Draženović’s story represents one of the many immigrant experiences that ended in disaster during the ill-fated maiden voyage of the “unsinkable” ship.

Early Life and Background

Where did Jozef Draženović come from?

Jozef Draženović hailed from Hrastelnica, Croatia. Born in 1879, he worked as a general laborer and was married with three children. Like many Europeans of his time, Draženović sought better opportunities across the Atlantic, leading him to embark on the journey that would ultimately claim his life.

The Titanic Journey

How did Draženović secure his passage on the Titanic?

Draženović boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, having purchased his third-class ticket from the agent Im Obersteg & Cie in Basel, Switzerland. The ticket details reveal:

• Ticket Number: 349241
• Fare: £7 17s 11d (7 pounds, 17 shillings, and 11 pence)
• Equivalent in Swiss Francs: 250 francs

This substantial investment in his future underscores the hopes and dreams Draženović carried with him as he embarked on his journey to New York.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Jozef Draženović during the Titanic’s sinking?

Tragically, Jozef Draženović did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first or second class. The chaos and confusion of the disaster, coupled with the shortage of lifeboats, sealed the fate of many in steerage, including Draženović.

Recovery and Identification

In the aftermath of the disaster, Draženović’s body was recovered by the Mackay Bennett, a cable ship chartered to retrieve victims from the wreck site. His body was numbered 51 and the recovery report provided a detailed description:

NO. 51. - MALE. ESTIMATED AGE, 30. - HAIR, MOUSTACHE, DARK. CLOTHING - Striped green and grey cloth suit; brown striped shirt; black boots. EFFECTS - Pipe bowl; passport; set of beads; $ 25.00 and 5 krones NO MARKS THIRD CLASS TICKET No. 349241 NAME - YOSEP DRAZENOUI.

The misspelling of his name on the report (“YOSEP DRAZENOUI”) likely resulted from difficulties in transcribing the Croatian name by English-speaking crew members.

Final Resting Place

Due to the large number of bodies recovered and the limitations of preservation at sea, many victims, including Draženović, were buried at sea. His body was committed to the Atlantic on April 21, 1912, just six days after the sinking.

Legacy and Impact

How did Draženović’s death affect his family?

The loss of Jozef Draženović had a profound impact on his family back in Croatia. His widow and three children, left behind in Hrastelnica, Sisak, faced an uncertain future without their husband and father. In recognition of their loss and the hardships they would face, the Titanic relief fund provided the family with £120, a sum that, while unable to replace their loved one, offered some financial support in the wake of the tragedy.

What personal items of Draženović’s were recovered?

The effects found on Draženović’s body offer a poignant glimpse into his personal life and the journey he undertook:

• A pipe bowl, suggesting he was a smoker
• A passport, confirming his identity and nationality
• A set of beads, possibly rosary beads indicating his faith
• $25.00 and 5 krones, a mix of American and Austro-Hungarian currency, highlighting his transition between two worlds

These items, though simple, paint a picture of a man caught between his old life and the promise of a new one—a promise tragically unfulfilled.

Jozef Draženović’s Place in Titanic History

Jozef Draženović’s story, while one among many, serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. His journey from Croatia to the depths of the Atlantic encapsulates the dreams and tragedies of countless immigrants who sought a better life across the ocean. Today, Draženović is remembered not only as a victim of the Titanic, but as a symbol of the hope, courage, and ultimate sacrifice of those who dared to cross the sea in search of a brighter future.