Mr Rahamin Haim Moutal

Who was Rahamin Haim Moutal?

Rahamin Haim Moutal was a 28 (twenty-eight) year-old Turkish traveler who lost his life in the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born in Smyrna, Turkey, around 1884, Moutal was a third-class passenger aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise.

Early Life and Background

A Turkish Merchant in London

Rahamin Haim Moutal was born in Smyrna, Turkey, in 1884. He later moved to London, where he established himself as a merchant specializing in ladies’ fancy goods. On July 24, 1907, Moutal married Angele Wulff in Belgium, beginning a new chapter in his life.

Family Life

The Moutals welcomed their daughter, Nina Violetta Mary, in 1908. By 1911, the family was residing at 27 Beauclere Road in Hammersmith, London. The census of that year listed Rahamin’s occupation as a dealer in ladies’ fancy goods, indicating his entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Moutal board the Titanic?

While the exact purpose of Rahamin Haim Moutal’s journey on the Titanic remains unknown, we do know several key details about his voyage:

• Embarkation: Moutal boarded the Titanic at Southampton
• Ticket: He held ticket number 374746
• Fare: The cost of his passage was £8 1s
• Class: Moutal traveled as a third-class passenger
• Occupation: He was listed as a ‘Traveller’ on the ship’s manifest

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, Rahamin Haim Moutal 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. His body was never recovered from the icy waters of the North Atlantic.

Legacy and Impact

The Aftermath for the Moutal Family

The sinking of the Titanic had a profound impact on the Moutal family:

1. Financial Claim: Angele Moutal, Rahamin’s widow, sought $25,000 in compensation from the White Star Line for her loss.
2. Estate Settlement: On June 20, 1912, Angele received £262 in effects when Rahamin’s estate was administered.
3. Relief Fund Support: The Mansion House Titanic Relief Fund provided weekly support to the family:
   • Mrs. Moutal: £1
   • Nina (daughter): 2s. 6d.
   • Emma Wulff: 7s. 6d.

Long-term Effects on the Family

The tragedy continued to shape the lives of Rahamin’s loved ones for years to come:

• In 1927, according to family sources, Nina Moutal (also known as Ninette) applied to the ‘National Disasters Fund’ for emigration to Canada. This fund incorporated relief efforts for survivors and families affected by the Titanic, Lusitania, and Empress of Ireland disasters.
• Angele Moutal remarried in 1929 to Mr. Henry J. Beal, starting a new chapter in her life 17 years after the loss of her first husband.

A Lasting Memory

Rahamin Haim Moutal’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the many lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. His journey from Smyrna to London, and ultimately to his fate on the Titanic, illustrates the diverse backgrounds of the ship’s passengers and the far-reaching impact of the tragedy on families across the globe.