Dr. Max Stähelin-Maeglin

Who was Dr. Max Stähelin-Maeglin?

Dr. Max Stähelin-Maeglin was a 32 (thirty-two) year-old Swiss lawyer and Titanic survivor who later became a prominent figure in Swiss banking and industry. Born on February 18, 1880, in Basel, Switzerland, he embarked on a fateful journey aboard the RMS Titanic in 1912, which would become a defining moment in his life.

Early Life and Career

A Rising Star in Swiss Finance

Born into a prominent Basel family, Max Stähelin-Maeglin showed early promise in his legal career. By 1907, at the young age of 27, he had already become the director of the Swiss Trust Co. (Schweizer Treuhandgesellschaft), founded by the Swiss Bankverein. This appointment marked the beginning of a distinguished career in Swiss finance.

The Titanic Journey

Why was Dr. Stähelin-Maeglin on the Titanic?

Dr. Stähelin-Maeglin boarded the Titanic on a business mission. He was traveling to New York to address issues with Arnold B. Heine & Cie., a company in financial trouble that required subsidization. This professional obligation would lead him to one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Titanic Voyage Details

Class: First Class
Ticket Number: 13214
Cabin: B-50
Port of Embarkation: Southampton
Fare: £30 10s (770.95 Swiss francs)

The Night of the Disaster

A Fateful Evening of Cards

On the evening of April 14, 1912, Dr. Stähelin-Maeglin spent time in the first-class smoking room, playing cards with fellow passengers Maximilian Frölicher-Stehli and Colonel (Oberst) Alfons Simonius-Blumer. The group retired to their staterooms around 11:30 PM, unaware of the impending disaster.

The Moment of Impact

Just about to undress, Max Stähelin felt a deep sounding roll, that began with a slight thrust.

Concerned by the unusual sensation, Dr. Stähelin-Maeglin inquired with a steward about what had happened. Despite being told it was nothing, he decided to fully dress and investigate further.

Rescue and Survival

At 0:50 AM, Dr. Stähelin-Maeglin entered Lifeboat 3 along with Alfons Simonius-Blumer. They later rowed to keep warm in the frigid Atlantic night. The survivors were eventually rescued by the RMS Carpathia and brought to New York City.

After the Titanic

New York and Return to Europe

Upon arrival in New York, Dr. Stähelin-Maeglin was met by Dr. Hans Winterfeldt. He stayed at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and completed his business with the Heine Co. On May 7, 1912, less than a month after the Titanic disaster, he returned to Europe aboard the Victoria Luise.

A Distinguished Banking Career

Dr. Stähelin-Maeglin’s career continued to flourish after his Titanic experience:

1928: Became president of the Swiss Bankverein
1944: Appointed president of the Swiss multi CIBA
1956: Retired as president

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Final Years

Dr. Stähelin-Maeglin was married to Martha, who passed away in October 1955. He lived a long life, passing away on August 3, 1968, at the age of 88 (eighty-eight).

Final Resting Place

Dr. Max Stähelin-Maeglin was laid to rest on August 7, 1968, in Friedhof am Hörnli, Basel, Switzerland (Abteilung 8, Sektion 1, Grab 38).

Dr. Stähelin-Maeglin’s Impact

How did the Titanic experience shape his life?

While the Titanic disaster was undoubtedly a pivotal moment in Dr. Stähelin-Maeglin’s life, it did not define his entire legacy. His subsequent success in Swiss banking and industry demonstrates his resilience and ability to overcome adversity. As a first-class passenger and survivor, his story provides valuable insights into the experiences of those who lived through one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.

Dr. Max Stähelin-Maeglin’s life serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit, from surviving the Titanic to shaping Swiss finance and industry in the decades that followed.