Mr Petar ČALIĆ

Who was Petar ČALIĆ?

Petar ČALIĆ was a 17 (seventeen) year-old Croatian farm labourer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a third-class passenger, ČALIĆ’s story represents one of the many immigrants seeking a better life in America, only to meet a tragic fate on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic.

Early Life and Background

What was Petar ČALIĆ’s family situation?

Petar ČALIĆ was born in 1895 in Croatia. He was the son of Božica Calić and had three siblings. Growing up in Brezik, Croatia, ČALIĆ worked as a farm labourer, likely contributing to his family’s livelihood from a young age.

Why did Petar ČALIĆ decide to travel to America?

Like many European immigrants of his time, ČALIĆ sought opportunities in the United States. His destination was Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, a city known for its industrial growth and job prospects in the early 20th century. This journey represented hope for a better future and the chance to support his family back home.

The Titanic Journey

How did Petar ČALIĆ book his passage on the Titanic?

ČALIĆ’s journey began with careful planning:

• He purchased his ticket from Johann Isidor Büchel, an agent in Buchs
• The ticket cost 170 Swiss francs, equivalent to £8 13s 3d
• His ticket number was 315086
• He boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger

What were the conditions for third-class passengers like ČALIĆ?

Third-class accommodations on the Titanic, while basic, were considered superior to many other ships of the time. Passengers like ČALIĆ would have experienced:

• Shared cabins with bunk beds
• Access to common areas for socializing
• Simple but nutritious meals
• Limited interaction with upper-class passengers

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Petar ČALIĆ when the Titanic sank?

Tragically, Petar ČALIĆ did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower due to:

• Limited access to lifeboats
• Being located in the lower decks, farther from the boat deck
• Possible language barriers and unfamiliarity with the ship’s layout

“Petar ČALIĆ died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.”

This stark statement encapsulates the tragic end of a young life full of potential.

Legacy and Impact

How did Petar ČALIĆ’s death affect his family?

The loss of Petar ČALIĆ had both emotional and financial impacts on his family:

1. Emotional toll: The sudden loss of a 17-year-old son and brother undoubtedly devastated the ČALIĆ family.
2. Financial assistance: His mother, Božica Calić, received £60 from the relief fund set up for Titanic victims’ families.
3. Unfulfilled dreams: ČALIĆ’s aspirations for a new life in America and potential support for his family were tragically cut short.

How is Petar ČALIĆ remembered today?

Petar ČALIĆ’s story, while one of many similar tragedies, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. His name is memorialized in various Titanic exhibitions and databases, ensuring that future generations remember not just the famous passengers, but also the everyday people whose lives were cut short by this historic tragedy.

Connections to Other Passengers

Interestingly, records indicate that Petar ČALIĆ knew Jovo Čalić, another passenger on the Titanic. This connection suggests that they may have been from the same region in Croatia or perhaps even related, highlighting the close-knit communities that often traveled together in search of new opportunities.

Petar ČALIĆ’s story, though brief, is a testament to the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants who risked everything for a chance at a better life. His legacy lives on as part of the broader narrative of the Titanic, reminding us of the human stories behind one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.