Mr Len Lam

Who was Len Lam?

Len Lam was a 23 (twenty-three) year-old Chinese seaman who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. As a third-class passenger, Lam’s story is intertwined with a group of Chinese sailors who boarded the ill-fated ship at Southampton, bound for New York City.

Early Life and Background

Born in 1889 in Hong Kong, Len Lam pursued a career as a seaman. Prior to his journey on the Titanic, Lam and his colleagues were sailors on the Donald Line’s Annetta. This experience at sea would lead them to their fateful voyage across the Atlantic.

The Journey to Titanic

How did Len Lam come to be on the Titanic?

Contrary to some allegations of being stowaways, Len Lam and his eight colleagues boarded the Titanic at Southampton as legitimate fare-paying third-class passengers. They were traveling together on a single ticket:

• Ticket Number: 1601
• Fare: £56 9s 11d

This group of Chinese sailors included:

• Lee Bing
• Chang Chip
• Choong Foo
• Ling Hee
• Ah Lam
• Fang Lang
• Lee Ling

Their shared ticket and journey highlight the camaraderie among these men as they embarked on what they hoped would be a new chapter in their lives.

Titanic’s Fateful Voyage

What was Len Lam’s experience on the Titanic?

As a third-class passenger, Len Lam’s accommodations on the Titanic would have been modest compared to the luxury experienced by first-class travelers. However, even third-class amenities on the Titanic were considered superior to those on many other ships of the era.

Lam and his companions likely spent their time on board socializing with other passengers and perhaps sharing stories of their seafaring experiences. Their unique perspective as sailors themselves may have given them a different appreciation for the magnificent vessel they were traveling on.

The Disaster and Len Lam’s Fate

On the night of April 14, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg, leading to one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. Tragically, Len Lam did not survive the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

“Len Lam died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.”

This stark statement encapsulates the tragic end to a young life and the countless dreams lost in the icy waters of the North Atlantic.

Legacy and Modern Recognition

While Len Lam’s individual story may have been lost to time, his experience and that of his fellow Chinese sailors has recently gained recognition:

1. The 2021 documentary “The Six” tells the story of the six Chinese survivors of the Titanic.
2. This film has brought attention to the often-overlooked experiences of Asian passengers on the Titanic.
3. It challenges misconceptions about their presence on the ship and their roles in the disaster.

How has the perception of Chinese Titanic passengers changed?

The revelation that Lam and his companions were legitimate passengers, not stowaways, has helped to correct historical inaccuracies and shed light on the diverse group of individuals aboard the Titanic. This new understanding enriches our comprehension of the disaster’s impact on various communities and nationalities.

A Link to Maritime History

Len Lam’s occupation as a seaman and his presence on the Titanic creates an intriguing intersection of maritime histories. His journey represents not only the tragic story of the Titanic but also the broader narrative of global seafaring and migration in the early 20th century.

As we remember Len Lam, we are reminded of the many victims of the Titanic whose stories contribute to our understanding of this historic event. His life, though cut short at just 23 years old, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the disaster and the diverse tapestry of lives affected by that fateful night in April 1912.