Mr Mansūr Ḥannā Al-Hāj

Who was Mansūr Ḥannā Al-Hāj?

Mr Mansūr Ḥannā Al-Hāj, also known as Mansour Hanna, was a 35 (thirty-five) year-old Syrian/Lebanese passenger who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1877 in Kfar Mishkī, Lebanon, Ḥannā was a farmer who had previously emigrated to Canada and was returning to Ottawa when disaster struck.

Early Life and Background

From Lebanon to Canada

Born around 1877 in Kfar Mishkī, Lebanon
Worked as a farmer in his native country
Emigrated to Canada in 1899, settling in Ottawa
Made at least two trips back to Lebanon before 1912

Family Life

Ḥannā was married to Nasmīyah Antūn in Lebanon. The couple had two young daughters:

Fawzīyah (born 1909)
Ramzīyah (born 1911)

The Titanic Journey

Embarkation and Ticket Details

Class: Third Class
Port of Embarkation: Cherbourg
Ticket Number: 2693
Fare: £7 4s 7d

Ḥannā boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg as a third-class passenger. He was traveling with several other natives of Kfar Mishkī, all hoping to return to Ottawa.

What was Ḥannā’s fate during the disaster?

Tragically, Mansūr Ḥannā Al-Hāj did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body was later recovered by the Mackay Bennett, listed as body number 188. The description of his recovered body provides a poignant glimpse into his final moments:

NO. 188. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 23. BLACK - HAIR, VERY DARK. CLOTHING - Grey flannel drawers and singlet. EFFECTS - Pocket knife; amber beads; purse. THIRD CLASS. NAME - MERCIA HAUSEA.

Ḥannā was laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery on May 10, 1912, far from his homeland and family.

Legacy and Family Aftermath

The sinking of the Titanic had profound effects on Ḥannā’s family:

Nasmīyah’s New Life

Ḥannā’s widow, Nasmīyah, remarried and became Mrs Salīm Sa’ūd
She emigrated to Ontario with her new husband
Left her two daughters behind in Lebanon
Her ultimate fate remains uncertain

Fawzīyah’s Life in Lebanon

Later became Mrs Sulāyman Rizq
Raised a family in Kfar Mishkī
Often spoke about her father to local media
Passed away in 2000

Ramzīyah’s Tragic Story

Married Elias Ayoub and had five children
Her husband emigrated to Brazil for work
Elias tragically died after being stabbed in a violent robbery
Ramzīyah’s fate remains unknown

How did Ḥannā’s story impact the Lebanese community?

Mansūr Ḥannā Al-Hāj’s story is a poignant reminder of the many immigrants who lost their lives on the Titanic. His journey represents the hopes and dreams of countless individuals seeking a better life in North America. The tragedy not only ended Ḥannā’s life but also dramatically altered the course of his family’s future, splitting them across continents and leaving behind a legacy of both loss and resilience.

As a victim of the Titanic disaster, Ḥannā’s story continues to be remembered, particularly within the Lebanese community, serving as a somber connection to one of history’s most infamous maritime tragedies.