Mr Mirko Dika

Who was Mirko Dika?

Mr Mirko Dika was a 17 (seventeen) year-old Croatian passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in 1895, Dika was a young laborer from Podgori (Bribir), Croatia, who embarked on a journey to Vancouver, Canada, only to become one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Background

What was Mirko Dika’s upbringing like?

Little is known about Mirko Dika’s early life, but we can piece together some details from the available information:

Born in 1895 in Croatia
Worked as a laborer in his home country
Single at the time of his Titanic voyage
Had family connections in both Croatia and Canada

Dika’s decision to travel to Vancouver suggests he may have been seeking better opportunities in the New World, like many young Europeans of his time.

The Titanic Journey

How did Mirko Dika come to be on the Titanic?

Mirko Dika’s journey began in Southampton, England, where he boarded the Titanic as a third-class passenger. His travel details include:

Ticket Number: 349232
Fare: £7 17s 11d (7 pounds, 17 shillings, and 11 pence)
Embarkation Point: Southampton

Interestingly, Dika purchased his ticket from the agent Im Obersteg & Cie., Basel for 510 Swiss francs, highlighting the international nature of the Titanic’s passenger list.

What was Dika’s destination?

Dika’s ultimate destination was Vancouver, Canada. This trans-Atlantic journey was likely a significant step for the young Croatian, potentially seeking new opportunities or joining family members already settled in North America.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Mirko Dika on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, Mirko Dika 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 details of his final moments are unknown, but we can surmise the following:

Dika was among the many third-class passengers who perished in the disaster
His body, if recovered, was never identified
He died at the young age of 17 (seventeen), the same age he boarded the ship

Legacy and Impact

How was Mirko Dika’s family affected by the tragedy?

The loss of Mirko Dika had a profound impact on his family, spread across two continents:

His father, Ivan, was living in Vancouver, Canada
His mother, Jelena (also known as Jolena or Jelenca), remained in Podgori (Bribir), Croatia
Both parents received £50 from the relief fund established for Titanic victims’ families

This financial assistance, while unable to compensate for the loss of their son, demonstrates the global response to the Titanic tragedy and its far-reaching effects on families worldwide.

Remembering Mirko Dika

How do we commemorate passengers like Mirko Dika today?

Mirko Dika’s story, though brief, is a poignant reminder of the many young lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His journey represents the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants seeking a better life across the Atlantic. Today, Dika is remembered through:

Inclusion in Titanic passenger lists and memorials
Historical records and databases dedicated to preserving Titanic victims’ stories
The ongoing interest in Titanic history, which keeps the memory of passengers like Dika alive

Mirko Dika’s tale serves as a testament to the diverse backgrounds of Titanic’s passengers and the universal impact of the tragedy, transcending national borders and touching lives from Croatia to Canada.