Mr Karl Ivar Sven Berglund

Who was Karl Ivar Sven Berglund?

Karl Ivar Sven Berglund was a 22 (twenty-two) year-old Finnish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on January 24, 1890, Berglund was a third-class passenger who embarked on the ship’s maiden voyage from Southampton, England. As a general labourer from Tranvik, Sund, in the Åland Islands of Finland, Berglund’s journey on the Titanic was meant to be the beginning of a new life in America.

Early Life and Background

A Finnish Labourer’s Roots

Karl Ivar Sven Berglund was born to Karl August Berglund, a bricklayer, and Emma Rydberg. Growing up in the Åland Islands, a Swedish-speaking region of Finland, Berglund followed in his father’s footsteps by entering the construction industry. He worked as a casual labourer in Tranvik, Sund, gaining experience that he hoped would serve him well in the United States.

The American Dream

In 1911, Berglund’s life took a pivotal turn when he met Alfred Rindell, a building worker who had recently returned from America. Rindell painted a picture of opportunity and prosperity in the United States, convincing Berglund that his skills would be in high demand across the Atlantic. This encounter set in motion the chain of events that would ultimately lead Berglund to book passage on the Titanic.

The Journey to Titanic

How did Berglund end up on the Titanic?

Berglund’s journey to the Titanic was a series of fortuitous - or perhaps fateful - events:

1. Alfred Rindell sent cash for a ticket to America.
2. Berglund traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, to purchase a ticket for an American line ship.
3. Upon reaching Southampton, he learned of the opportunity to sail on the Titanic instead.
4. Berglund made the fateful decision to change his booking to the Titanic.

This change of plans highlights the allure of the Titanic, even for third-class passengers like Berglund. The chance to be part of history on the ship’s maiden voyage was too tempting to resist.

Titanic Journey Details

Ticket and Accommodation

• Class: 3rd Class
• Ticket Number: 4348
• Fare: £7 9s

Berglund’s third-class ticket cost him £7 and 9 shillings, a significant sum for a labourer at the time. This investment represented not just the cost of travel, but the price of a dream - a new life in America.

A Poignant Last Communication

Before the Titanic set sail, Berglund sent a postcard to his parents from Southampton. The card, featuring a picture of the majestic ship, would be his final communication with his family. In a cruel twist of fate, this postcard arrived at his parents’ home simultaneously with news of the disaster, leaving them in agonizing uncertainty about their son’s fate.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Karl Ivar Sven Berglund?

Tragically, Karl Ivar Sven Berglund 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 during the disaster likely prevented Berglund from reaching the lifeboats in time.

“Karl Ivar Sven Berglund’s body was never found, his family subsequently received £75 in compensation.”

This compensation, while a substantial sum at the time, could hardly compensate for the loss of a young life full of promise and potential.

Legacy and Impact

A Family’s Enduring Grief

The loss of Karl Ivar Sven Berglund at the young age of 22 (twenty-two) left a lasting impact on his family. The delayed confirmation of his fate, coming weeks after the disaster, prolonged their agony and hope. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives cut short by the Titanic tragedy.

Preserving the Memory

Today, Karl Ivar Sven Berglund’s name is memorialized along with other Titanic victims, ensuring that his story and the dreams he carried with him are not forgotten. His journey from the Åland Islands to the decks of the Titanic represents the aspirations of many immigrants of his time, seeking better opportunities across the Atlantic.

The Unfinished Journey

Karl Ivar Sven Berglund’s story on the Titanic ended abruptly on April 15, 1912, at the same age he boarded the ship - 22 (twenty-two) years old. His unfulfilled American dream serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. While his life was cut short, the preservation of his story ensures that the memory of this young Finnish labourer, like the Titanic itself, remains unsinkable in the annals of history.