Mauritz Håkan Björnström-Steffansson

Mauritz Håkan Björnström-Steffansson was a Swedish businessman and first-class passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on November 9, 1883, he was 28 (twenty-eight) years old when he embarked on his fateful journey across the Atlantic.

Early Life and Background

What was Björnström-Steffansson’s family background?

Björnström-Steffansson was born into a family deeply involved in the Swedish pulp industry. His father, Erik Samuel Steffansson, was one of the pioneers in this field. This background would later influence Mauritz’s own career path and investments.

Education and Early Career

After completing his studies at Stockholm’s technical university, Björnström-Steffansson began his professional life at the Rydö sulphite plant. His education and early work experience laid the foundation for his future success in business.

Journey on the Titanic

How did Björnström-Steffansson come to be on the Titanic?

Björnström-Steffansson boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a first-class passenger. He purchased ticket number 110564 for £26 11s, a significant sum at the time. It’s believed he may have shared cabin C-52 with fellow passenger Hugh Woolner.

What was Björnström-Steffansson doing when the Titanic struck the iceberg?

Just before the collision, Björnström-Steffansson was enjoying a hot lemonade in the first-class smoking room. He initially felt only a slight jar and continued his drink while others investigated. It wasn’t until an officer ordered passengers to get their lifebelts that he realized the gravity of the situation.

The Fateful Night

How did Björnström-Steffansson survive the sinking?

Björnström-Steffansson’s survival story is one of quick thinking and fortunate timing:

1. He assisted women, including Mrs. Edward Candee, into Lifeboat 6.
2. Later, he and Hugh Woolner helped control the crowd at Collapsible D.
3. As the water rushed up the deck, they leapt onto the railing.
4. At the last moment, they jumped into Boat D as it was being lowered.

“By 2.00 a.m. the two men found themselves alone near the open forward end of A-Deck, just above them boat D was slowly descending towards the sea, as the water rushed up the deck towards them they got onto the railing and leapt into the boat, Björnström-Steffansson landed in a heap at the bow.”

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic experience impact Björnström-Steffansson’s life?

The Titanic disaster left a lasting impression on Björnström-Steffansson. While returning to New York on the Carpathia, he joined a committee of survivors to honor Captain Rostron and his crew for their bravery. This committee presented the Captain with an inscribed silver cup and medals to each of the 320 crew members.

Marriage and Later Life

In 1917, Björnström-Steffansson married Miss Mary Pinchot Eno. Interestingly, they were introduced by Helen Churchill Candee, another Titanic survivor. The couple did not have any children, and Mrs. Steffansson passed away in 1953.

Legacy and Fortune

What became of Björnström-Steffansson in his later years?

Björnström-Steffansson retired in the 1930s after a successful career. He passed away on May 21, 1962, at the age of 78 (seventy-eight). His legacy includes:

• A fortune from pulp and land investments
• One of the few remaining private houses on Manhattan’s 57th street
• A nephew, Thord B. Steffanson, who inherited much of his wealth

Interesting Facts About Mauritz Håkan Björnström-Steffansson

Mauritz Håkan Björnström-Steffansson’s life spanned from the innovative era of the early 20th century to the post-war boom of the 1960s. His survival of the Titanic disaster and subsequent success in business make him a notable figure in both maritime history and Swedish-American relations of the early 20th century.