Sotir Kolev
Mr Sotir Kolev
Who was Sotir Kolev?
Mr Sotir Kolev, also known as Fotio Coleff, was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old Bulgarian passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. A general labourer by profession, Kolev’s journey on the Titanic would tragically be his last, as he became one of the many victims of the disaster.
Early Life and Background
Born in 1888, Sotir Kolev hailed from Bulgaria. While details about his early life are scarce, we know that by the age of 24, he had decided to seek new opportunities across the Atlantic. His occupation as a general labourer suggests a working-class background, which aligned with his status as a third-class passenger on the Titanic.
The Titanic Journey
Why did Sotir Kolev board the Titanic?
Sotir Kolev boarded the Titanic at Southampton, England, on April 10, 1912. While his exact motivations remain unknown, many third-class passengers were emigrants seeking better economic prospects in the United States. Kolev’s destination in the USA was uncertain, adding an element of mystery to his journey.
What were the details of Kolev’s ticket?
Kolev’s passage on the Titanic was secured with the following details:
- Ticket Number: 349209
- Fare: £7 17s 11d (7 pounds, 17 shillings, and 11 pence)
- Class: Third Class
This fare, equivalent to about £900 in today’s currency, represented a significant investment for a working-class individual like Kolev, underlining the importance of this journey in his life.
Fate During the Disaster
What happened to Sotir Kolev on the night of April 14-15, 1912?
Tragically, Sotir Kolev did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class male passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in other passenger categories. The lack of information about his actions during the sinking suggests he may have been among those unable to reach the lifeboats in time.
“Mr Coleff lost his life in the disaster. His body, if recovered, was never identified.”
This poignant statement encapsulates the tragic end of Sotir Kolev’s journey. The absence of a recovered body meant that, like many victims, Kolev found his final resting place in the depths of the North Atlantic.
Legacy and Remembrance
While Sotir Kolev’s life was cut short at the young age of 24 (twenty-four), his story serves as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds of the Titanic’s passengers. As one of the Bulgarian victims, Kolev represents the international nature of the tragedy, which affected individuals from numerous countries and walks of life.
How is Sotir Kolev remembered today?
Today, Sotir Kolev is remembered through:
- Inclusion in Titanic passenger lists and databases
- Memorials dedicated to third-class passengers
- Historical research on Bulgarian emigrants of the early 20th century
His story, though brief, continues to be a part of the larger narrative of the Titanic disaster, reminding us of the individual lives behind the statistics of this historic tragedy.
Andre Nolan is an avid Titanic historian and the creator of TitanicUniverse.com, a website dedicated to uncovering the untold stories and forgotten details behind the famous ocean liner.
With a lifelong passion for maritime history, Andre has spent over a decade researching the Titanic, from the personal lives of passengers and crew to the engineering marvels that made the ship an icon of its era.
When he's not immersed in Titanic lore, Andre enjoys connecting with fellow maritime history lovers, exploring historic ships and shipwrecks.