Lazar “Lalyo” Yonkov: A Titanic Victim’s Story

Who was Lazar “Lalyo” Yonkov?

Lazar “Lalyo” Yonkov was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old Bulgarian passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. A general labourer by profession, Yonkov’s journey on the Titanic would tragically be his last, as he became one of the many victims of the disaster.

Early Life and Background

Where did Lazar Yonkov come from?

Lazar Yonkov hailed from the village of Gumostnik (also known as Gumoshtnik) in the Lovech region of Bulgaria. Born in 1889, Yonkov worked as a potter in his homeland before deciding to seek new opportunities across the Atlantic.

What was Yonkov’s occupation?

While primarily employed as a general labourer, Yonkov’s skills as a potter highlight the diverse backgrounds of many third-class passengers on the Titanic. These passengers often represented a mix of tradespeople and laborers seeking better prospects in America.

The Titanic Journey

How did Yonkov come to be on the Titanic?

Lazar Yonkov boarded the Titanic at Southampton, England, on April 10, 1912. He traveled as a third-class passenger, holding ticket number 349204, which cost him £7 17s 11d.

Who accompanied Yonkov on his journey?

Interestingly, Yonkov was not alone in his voyage. He was accompanied by several fellow villagers from Gumostnik, creating a small Bulgarian community aboard the ship. His travel companions included:

This group of eight men from the same Bulgarian village provides a poignant snapshot of the hopes and dreams that drove many immigrants to embark on such a perilous journey.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Lazar Yonkov during the Titanic’s sinking?

Tragically, Lazar Yonkov 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.

Was Yonkov’s body ever recovered?

Despite efforts to recover victims’ bodies after the sinking, Lazar Yonkov’s body was never identified. This was not uncommon, as many victims of the Titanic disaster were never found or remained unidentified.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Lazar Yonkov remembered?

While Lazar Yonkov’s life was cut short at the young age of 23 (twenty-three), his memory lives on in his home village of Gumostnik. A stone was erected in the village cemetery to commemorate Yonkov and his fellow villagers who perished in the Titanic disaster.

This memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the tragedy and the impact it had on communities far from the shores where the Titanic sank.

What does Yonkov’s story tell us about the Titanic’s passengers?

Lazar Yonkov’s story is representative of many third-class passengers on the Titanic. Young, skilled, and seeking a better life, these individuals embodied the spirit of hope and ambition that drove many to cross the Atlantic in the early 20th century.

The tale of Yonkov and his fellow villagers also highlights the communal nature of immigration at the time, with groups from the same village or region often traveling together to new lands.

In remembering Lazar “Lalyo” Yonkov, we honor not just one man, but the countless individuals who risked everything for the promise of a new beginning—a journey that, for many aboard the Titanic, ended in tragedy.