Mr Ling Hee

Who was Ling Hee?

Mr Ling Hee was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old Hong Kongese seaman who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. As a third-class passenger, Hee’s journey on the ill-fated ship would become part of a remarkable story of survival and resilience.

Early Life and Background

Born in 1888, Ling Hee hailed from Hong Kong. Little is known about his early life, but his occupation as a seaman suggests a life closely tied to maritime activities. At the time of his Titanic voyage, Hee was unmarried and working as a fireman, a crucial role in the operation of steam-powered ships.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Ling Hee on the Titanic?

Ling Hee boarded the Titanic at Southampton as part of a group of eight colleagues from the Donald Line’s Annetta. Contrary to some allegations, they were not stowaways but legitimate fare-paying passengers. The group’s details include:

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

Hee’s fellow travelers included:

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

Their destination was New York City, where they likely planned to continue their maritime careers.

Fate During the Disaster

How did Ling Hee survive the Titanic sinking?

Ling Hee was among the fortunate survivors of the Titanic disaster. While specific details of his rescue are not provided, we know that he was successfully evacuated from the sinking ship. Unlike some survivors, Hee’s lifeboat number is not recorded in the available data.

After the Titanic

The aftermath of the Titanic disaster took Ling Hee on an unexpected journey:

1. Arrived in New York aboard the Carpathia with other survivors
2. Left for Cuba on April 20, 1912, aboard the Donald Line’s Annetta
3. Later forced to leave England (date unknown)
4. Traveled to Calcutta, India

This series of relocations highlights the complex and often challenging experiences faced by Titanic survivors, especially those of foreign nationality in the early 20th century.

Legacy and Modern Recognition

The story of Ling Hee and his fellow Chinese sailors has gained renewed interest in recent years. Their experiences are featured in the 2021 documentary “The Six,” which sheds light on the often-overlooked stories of Chinese Titanic survivors.

“The Six” documentary brings to life the remarkable tales of survival and subsequent challenges faced by Ling Hee and his compatriots, offering a unique perspective on the Titanic’s legacy.

This film serves as a testament to the diverse array of individuals affected by the Titanic disaster and the enduring fascination with their stories over a century later.

A Life Shaped by Maritime Adventure

Ling Hee’s journey on the Titanic was but one chapter in a life defined by seafaring. From his early career as a fireman to his global travels post-Titanic, Hee’s story exemplifies the interconnected nature of maritime history and personal resilience in the face of extraordinary circumstances.