Mr Sa’īd Antūn Nakid

Who was Sa’īd Antūn Nakid?

Sa’īd Antūn Nakid was a 20 (twenty) year-old Syrian/Lebanese passenger who survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on July 6, 1891, in Ihdin, Zaghartā, al Batrūn, Lebanon, Sa’īd embarked on a journey that would forever change his life and leave an indelible mark on the history of the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Background

A Young Family Man

Sa’īd Antūn Nakid was born into a family with connections to the United States. His mother, Cattur “Kate” Habīb, born in 1853, had already established herself in Waterbury, Connecticut. As a young man, Sa’īd married Wadi’ah Muawwad, who was born in 1892 and hailed from the same village. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Mariayam Nakid, born in the spring of 1911.

What Drew the Nakid Family to America?

The pull of family and opportunity led Sa’īd to make the life-changing decision to relocate his young family to Waterbury, Connecticut. His mother, described in the 1910 census as a peddler, resided at 31 Bridge Street. This connection to an established family member in America likely influenced Sa’īd’s choice to seek a new life across the Atlantic.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Fateful Voyage

In April 1912, Sa’īd Nakid, along with his wife Wadi’ah Nakid and infant daughter Mariayam, boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France. They traveled as third-class passengers, having purchased ticket number 2653 for the price of £15 14s 10d.

What Was Life Like for Third-Class Passengers?

Third-class accommodations on the Titanic, while basic, were considered superior to those on many other ships of the era. Passengers like the Nakid family would have had access to common areas and shared facilities, experiencing a mix of excitement and trepidation as they embarked on their journey to a new life.

The Night of the Disaster

A Harrowing Escape

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, as the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Sa’īd and his family found themselves in a desperate situation. They managed to board what Sa’īd described as “one of the last” lifeboats to leave the ship.

“Sa’īd, for fear of being discovered, lay under cover in the bottom of the boat for what he estimated was close to five hours and did not see the final throes of the Titanic.”

This chilling account provides insight into the fear and uncertainty faced by many passengers during the evacuation.

What Did Sa’īd Experience During the Sinking?

While hidden in the lifeboat, Sa’īd could not witness the final moments of the Titanic. However, he reported hearing the heartrending cries of those drowning, accompanied by the sobs of women in the lifeboat. This auditory experience of the disaster would likely have left a lasting impact on the young survivor.

Rescue and Arrival in America

Aboard the Carpathia

After their rescue by the RMS Carpathia, Sa’īd recalled being wrapped in warm blankets and receiving excellent treatment from the passengers and crew. This kindness in the aftermath of tragedy highlights the human compassion that emerged during the disaster.

New York and Beyond

Upon arriving in New York, the Nakid family received care at St. Vincent’s Hospital. They were provided with clothing and $62.30 in financial assistance. Sa’īd’s mother, unaware of their presence on the Titanic, rushed to New York to reunite with her son and his family.

Life After the Titanic

Settling in Waterbury

The Nakid family settled in Waterbury, Connecticut, anglicizing their surname to “Nackid.” This change reflects the common practice of immigrants adapting their names to fit into American society.

Tragedy Strikes Again

Sadly, the family’s trials were not over. Their daughter Mariayam, a Titanic survivor at just one year old, died on July 30, 1912, from meningitis. She holds the somber distinction of being the first among the 712 Titanic survivors to pass away.

Building a New Life

Despite this heartbreak, Sa’īd and Wadi’ah persevered. Sa’īd found work as a laborer in a brass mill. His World War I draft registration describes him as of medium height and build with blue eyes and black hair, providing a rare physical description of this Titanic survivor.

A Growing Family

The couple went on to have five more children in America:

• Thomas (1913-1962)
• John A. (1917-1966)
• Catherine (1921-1954)
• Anthony Thomas (1923-2001)
• Frederick R. (1926-1988)

Sa’īd’s Final Years

An Untimely Death

Sa’īd Antūn Nakid’s life was cut short on December 30, 1926. At just 35 (thirty-five) years old, he succumbed to tuberculosis, only months after the birth of his youngest child, Frederick. He was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury.

What Was Sa’īd’s Legacy?

Though Sa’īd’s life was brief, his legacy lived on through his family. His widow, Wadi’ah, never remarried and was buried alongside him upon her death in 1963. Their last surviving child, Anthony, passed away on February 25, 2001, in Waterbury.

Today, a large number of Sa’īd Antūn Nakid’s descendants continue to reside in the Waterbury area, carrying forward the story of their ancestor’s remarkable journey and survival against the odds. As a Titanic survivor, Sa’īd’s experience offers a poignant glimpse into the human stories behind one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.