Miss Saiide Barbara

Who was Saiide Barbara?

Saiide Barbara was an 18 (eighteen) year-old Syrian-Lebanese passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. As a young housekeeper traveling in third class, her journey tragically ended with the sinking of the ship on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

What was Saiide Barbara’s nationality and occupation?

Saiide Barbara was born in 1894 and held Syrian-Lebanese nationality. At the young age of 18 (eighteen), she was already working as a housekeeper, demonstrating her industrious nature and the economic realities of the time.

Family Connections

While details about Saiide’s family are limited, it’s known that she was traveling with Catherine David Barbara, to whom she was likely related. This connection suggests that Saiide may have been part of a family seeking new opportunities abroad.

The Titanic Journey

How did Saiide Barbara come to be on the Titanic?

Saiide Barbara embarked on the Titanic at Cherbourg, France. As a third-class passenger, she would have experienced the ship’s more modest accommodations, yet still luxurious compared to other vessels of the time.

Ticket and Fare Details

• Ticket Number: 2691
• Fare: £14 9s 1d (14 pounds, 9 shillings, and 1 pence)

This fare, equivalent to about £1,700 in today’s currency, represented a significant investment for a third-class passenger, highlighting the importance of this journey in Saiide’s life.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Saiide Barbara on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, Saiide Barbara did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, her chances of reaching a lifeboat were significantly lower than those in first or second class.

“Miss Barbara lost her life in the disaster. Her body, if recovered, was never identified.”

This stark statement underscores the tragedy that befell many of the Titanic’s passengers, particularly those in third class.

Legacy and Remembrance

How is Saiide Barbara remembered today?

While Saiide Barbara’s life was cut short at just 18 (eighteen) years old, her story lives on as part of the broader narrative of the Titanic disaster. She represents the many young immigrants who sought better lives by crossing the Atlantic, only to meet with tragedy.

Unidentified Victims

The fact that Saiide’s body was never identified if recovered, highlights a poignant aspect of the Titanic disaster. Many victims remained nameless, their stories known only through passenger lists and the memories of those who knew them.

The Journey That Never Was

What might have been Saiide Barbara’s hopes for her voyage?

As a young housekeeper traveling to a new country, Saiide Barbara likely had dreams of building a better life. The Titanic, despite its tragic end, represented hope and opportunity for many of its passengers. Saiide’s journey, cut short by disaster, serves as a reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by immigrants in pursuit of a brighter future.

In remembering Saiide Barbara, we honor not just her life, but the lives of all those who bravely set out on journeys of hope, even in the face of unknown perils.