Patrick O’Keeffe

Patrick O’Keeffe was a 21 (twenty-one) year-old Irish porter who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in Waterford, Ireland, O’Keeffe’s journey on the ill-fated ship would forever change the course of his life and leave an indelible mark on his family’s history.

Early Life and Background

Where did Patrick O’Keeffe come from?

Patrick O’Keeffe was born on July 11, 1890, in Little Michael Street, Waterford City, Ireland. He was one of nine children born to John O’Keeffe, a quarry labourer, and Catherine Fitzgerald. The O’Keeffe family lived in modest circumstances, with Patrick receiving his primary education at the Sisters of Charity School for Boys and Girls and his secondary education at De La Salle.

What led Patrick to leave Ireland?

In 1910, at the age of 20 (twenty), Patrick decided to seek better opportunities in the United States. He embarked on this journey with his two uncles, Patsy and Arthur. Before their departure, Patrick’s father commissioned a family portrait, capturing a moment that would become a cherished memory in the years to come.

Titanic Journey

How did Patrick O’Keeffe end up on the Titanic?

Patrick’s journey on the Titanic was not his first trip across the Atlantic. He had initially traveled to America in 1910 aboard the Celtic, arriving in New York on September 4, 1910. After working as a labourer and porter for some time, he returned to Ireland for a month’s holiday in 1912.

Originally, Patrick was scheduled to return to America on the Baltic. However, his brother persuaded him to stay an extra week to spend Easter with the family. This fateful decision led to his booking being transferred to the Titanic.

What were Patrick’s thoughts before boarding the Titanic?

Before boarding the Titanic at Queenstown (now Cobh), Patrick experienced a strong premonition that the ship would sink. His distress was so great that he attempted to sell his ticket but ultimately decided to board, fearing ridicule if he returned to Waterford.

Key details of Patrick’s Titanic journey:

Class: Third Class
Ticket Number: 368402
Fare: £7 15s
Port of Embarkation: Queenstown

The Fateful Night

How did Patrick survive the sinking?

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Patrick O’Keeffe demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength. He made his way to the upper decks and remained on board during the ship’s final moments. When it became clear that the vessel was doomed, Patrick jumped overboard with two English men, Victor Sunderland and Edward Dorkings.

A strong swimmer, Patrick managed to pull himself aboard the capsized collapsible lifeboat B. His survival skills didn’t stop there - he later assisted two other men onto the makeshift raft, describing them as a “Southampton-man and a Guernsey Islander.”

“I lost everything I had on the Titanic but, thank God, my life was spared.” - Patrick O’Keeffe in a letter to his father

Life After the Titanic

How did the Titanic disaster impact Patrick’s life?

The Titanic disaster left a lasting impact on Patrick O’Keeffe’s life:

He never again set foot on Irish soil, despite longing for his homeland.
During World War I, he chose to serve in Canada rather than risk crossing the ocean again.
He rarely discussed his experiences on the Titanic.

What became of Patrick after the disaster?

Following his rescue, Patrick was taken to New York aboard the Carpathia. He spent time recovering at St. Vincent’s Hospital, having sustained heavy bruising. The American Red Cross provided him with a grant of $102 to help him get back on his feet.

Patrick’s career in New York evolved over time:

Window dresser in a department store
Elevator operator in an office building
Supervisory position, which he held for the rest of his life

On September 19, 1923, Patrick married Anna Nolan, a native New Yorker born to Irish parents. They had two children:

Margaret Veronica (born June 26, 1924)
Edward (born December 4, 1925)

Although the couple briefly divorced, they remarried on February 8, 1936.

Patrick O’Keeffe’s Legacy

Patrick O’Keeffe became a US citizen in March 1936. He passed away on December 16, 1939, at the age of 49 (forty-nine), and was laid to rest in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.

His story of survival and resilience in the face of one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters continues to captivate those interested in the Titanic’s legacy. Patrick O’Keeffe’s experience serves as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome tragedy and build a new life in the aftermath of unimaginable circumstances.