Mr Luka ČAČIĆ

Who was Luka ČAČIĆ?

Luka ČAČIĆ was a 38 (thirty-eight) year-old Croatian farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on October 6, 1873, in Kula, Croatia (then part of Austria-Hungary), ČAČIĆ was a third-class passenger seeking a new life in South Chicago, Illinois.

Early Life and Family Background

What was Luka ČAČIĆ’s family life like?

Luka ČAČIĆ was a married man with a large family. He was wed to Anna, who was born around 1876, and together they had an impressive nine children. His family ties extended beyond his immediate household:

• Father: Simon ČAČIĆ
• Stepmother: Jeka ČAČIĆ

Growing up in Kula, Croatia, Luka developed the skills and work ethic that would lead him to pursue farming as his profession.

The Journey to a New Life

Why did Luka ČAČIĆ board the Titanic?

Like many European immigrants of his time, Luka ČAČIĆ saw an opportunity for a better life in America. He set his sights on South Chicago, Illinois, likely hoping to find work that would allow him to support his large family.

How did Luka ČAČIĆ prepare for his Titanic voyage?

To embark on this life-changing journey, Luka took the following steps:

1. Purchased a ticket from agent Johann Isidor Büchel in Buchs
2. Paid 170 Swiss francs for his passage (equivalent to £8 13s 3d)
3. Received ticket number 315089
4. Boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger

Interestingly, Luka did not travel alone. He was accompanied by three members of his family on this fateful voyage.

The Titanic Disaster

What happened to Luka ČAČIĆ during the Titanic sinking?

Tragically, Luka ČAČIĆ 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 that night, combined with the limited number of lifeboats, sealed his fate.

Mr Luka ČAČIĆ died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

This stark statement encapsulates the grim reality faced by many victims of the Titanic disaster.

Legacy and Aftermath

How did Luka ČAČIĆ’s death impact his family?

The loss of Luka ČAČIĆ had profound consequences for his family:

• His widow Anna was left to care for their nine children alone
• The family received £150 from the relief fund, split between:
  • Anna (widow)
  • Simon (father)
  • Jeka (stepmother)

While this financial assistance provided some relief, it could never compensate for the loss of a husband, father, and son.

Were there other ČAČIĆ family members on board?

Luka ČAČIĆ was not the only member of his family on the Titanic. His relatives included:

• Jego Grga ČAČIĆ
• Manda ČAČIĆ
• Marija ČAČIĆ

These connections highlight the devastating impact the Titanic disaster had on entire families and communities.

Remembering Luka ČAČIĆ

Luka ČAČIĆ’s story is a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations that were cut short on that fateful night in April 1912. His journey from a Croatian farmer to a Titanic passenger represents the hopes of countless immigrants seeking a better life across the Atlantic. Though his life ended tragically, Luka ČAČIĆ’s memory lives on as part of the enduring legacy of the Titanic and its passengers.