Mr Manuel Ramirez Uruchurtu

Who was Manuel Ramirez Uruchurtu?

Manuel Ramirez Uruchurtu was a 39 (thirty-nine) year-old Mexican lawyer and First Class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on June 27, 1872, in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Uruchurtu was a prominent figure in Mexican society during the early 20th century. His tragic story aboard the Titanic is marked by an act of selflessness that cost him his life but saved another.

Early Life and Background

A Privileged Upbringing

Manuel Uruchurtu Ramirez was born into a well-to-do Mexican family. His parents were Cap Mateo Uruchurtu Días and Mercedes Remirez Estrella. Young Manuel was baptized on August 1, 1872, at the Asunción Cathedral of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

Education and Career

As a young man, Uruchurtu moved to Mexico City to pursue his legal studies at what is now known as the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). It was during his time at university that he met and married his fellow student, Miss Gertrudis Caraza y Landero, a Mexican lady of high social standing. Together, they had seven children.

Professional and Political Life

After settling in Mexico City with his family, Uruchurtu established a successful law practice. During the Porfiriato - the dictatorship of President Porfirio Díaz - Don Manuel became a well-established figure in the national, cultural, and political scene. However, the Mexican Revolution of 1910 placed him in a precarious position due to his wealth and connections to the former establishment.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Uruchurtu on the Titanic?

In mid-February 1912, at the age of 40 (forty), Uruchurtu traveled to France to visit his close friend, General Ramón Corral, a former military strategist for Don Porfirio Díaz. After these meetings, which may have included the exiled Don Porfirio himself, Uruchurtu decided it was time to return home to his wife.

A Fateful Ticket Exchange

Originally, Uruchurtu had booked passage on the France. However, a chance encounter led to a fateful decision:

• Guillermo Obregón, General Corral’s son-in-law, had booked passage on the Titanic
• Obregón persuaded Uruchurtu to exchange tickets
• Uruchurtu acquired ticket No. PC 17601, priced at £27 14s 5d

This exchange took place in early April at the Grand Hotel in Paris, where Uruchurtu was staying.

Boarding the Titanic

Uruchurtu boarded the Titanic as a First Class passenger at Cherbourg, France. He was traveling alone. On April 10, 1912, he sent a postcard to his mother in Hermosillo, mentioning:

The postcard shows the ship in which he travels. And he will visit her when he’s back to Mexico, and he will recount the voyage.

The Night of the Disaster

An Act of Heroism

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic was sinking, Uruchurtu found himself with an opportunity to board Lifeboat 11. However, as the boat was about to be lowered, he noticed an English lady from Second Class standing by the bulwark. She pleaded to be let into the boat, explaining that her husband and young child were awaiting her.

In a remarkable act of selflessness, Uruchurtu stood up and offered his place to the woman. His only request was that she visit his wife in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, to recount what had happened.

Uruchurtu’s Fate

Tragically, Manuel Ramirez Uruchurtu did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. He died on April 15, 1912, at the age of 39 (thirty-nine), leaving behind a legacy of heroism and sacrifice.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Uruchurtu remembered?

Manuel Ramirez Uruchurtu is remembered not only as a victim of the Titanic disaster but as a man who exemplified the highest ideals of chivalry and self-sacrifice. His decision to give up his place in the lifeboat to save a stranger speaks volumes about his character and values.

Impact on His Family

The loss of Uruchurtu undoubtedly had a profound impact on his wife, Gertrudis, and their seven children. His sacrifice left a void in Mexican society, where he had been a respected lawyer and prominent figure.

A Symbol of Mexican Nobility

Uruchurtu’s story stands as a testament to the nobility and courage of Mexican citizens during one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters. His actions continue to inspire and remind us of the capacity for human kindness, even in the face of certain death.

Manuel Ramirez Uruchurtu’s life and death serve as a poignant reminder that heroism knows no nationality, and that in moments of crisis, true character shines through. His legacy lives on, not just as a passenger on the Titanic, but as a man who chose to put others before himself in the most dire of circumstances.