Miss Salli Helena Rosblom

Who was Salli Helena Rosblom?

Miss Salli Helena Rosblom was a 2 (two) year-old Finnish passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on February 25, 1910, in Rauma, Finland, she was traveling with her mother and brother as third-class passengers to join her father in the United States. Tragically, Salli’s young life was cut short when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Family Background

A Family Divided by the Atlantic

Salli Helena Rosblom was born into a family with strong ties to both Finland and America:

Parents: Viktor Rosblom (b. 1871) and Helena Wilhelmina Raula (b. 1872)
Siblings: Viktor Rikard (b. 1894) and Eino (b. 1900)

Her father, Viktor, had already established a connection with the United States:

First arrived in New York on February 5, 1905, aboard the Oceanic
Spent approximately three years in America before returning to Finland
Departed Finland again, arriving in New York on March 31, 1910, aboard the Adriatic
Settled in Seaside, Clatsop County, Oregon

The Journey to America

Why did the Rosblom family decide to emigrate?

The Rosblom family’s decision to emigrate was driven by the desire to reunite with Viktor in Oregon. On March 23, 1912, Salli, along with her mother Helena Wilhelmina Rosblom and brother Viktor Richard Rosblom, left Finland to embark on their transatlantic journey.

Interestingly, Salli’s older brother Eino chose to remain in Finland, expressing a premonition that he would “go with them to drown” if he joined the voyage.

Titanic Boarding Details

Original Plan: The family was initially scheduled to travel aboard the Olympic
Delay: Upon arrival in Southampton, Salli fell ill, postponing their departure
Embarkation: Eventually boarded the Titanic on April 10, 1912, in Southampton
Ticket Details:
- Number: 370129
- Class: Third Class
- Cost: £20 4s 3d

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Salli Helena Rosblom on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, Salli Helena Rosblom, along with her mother and brother, did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As third-class passengers, their chances of survival were significantly lower due to limited access to lifeboats and the upper decks.

Date of Death: April 15, 1912
Age at Death: 2 (two) years old
Body Recovery: If recovered, never identified

The Aftermath and Family Impact

The sinking of the Titanic had a devastating impact on the Rosblom family:

Viktor Rosblom, Salli’s father, was initially unaware that his family had been traveling on the Titanic
It took weeks before he discovered the tragic truth about their fate
The loss of his entire family left Viktor alone in America, a stark contrast to the reunion he had been anticipating

Legacy

While Salli Helena Rosblom’s life was tragically short, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic disaster. The tale of the Rosblom family highlights the human cost of the tragedy, particularly among third-class passengers who faced the highest mortality rates.

Today, Salli’s name is remembered alongside the many other children who perished in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters, serving as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching impact of the Titanic’s sinking on families across the world.