Mr Su’ādah Ḥannā Nasr-Rizq

Who was Su’ādah Ḥannā Nasr-Rizq?

Su’ādah Ḥannā Nasr-Rizq, also known as Saad Hanna (Jean) Nasr Rizq, was a 20 (twenty) year-old Syrian-Lebanese passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born in 1892 in Sar’al, Lebanon, Nasr-Rizq’s journey on the Titanic would be his last, as he tragically perished in the sinking on April 15, 1912.

Early Life and Background

A Troubled Past in Lebanon

Little is known about Su’ādah Ḥannā Nasr-Rizq’s early life, but according to Elias (2011), he had gained a reputation in his village as a troublemaker. This notoriety eventually led to his forced departure from Lebanon:

He had a reputation in his village as a troublemaker, soon raising the ire of others in his area to the point that he had to flee Lebanon.

This tumultuous background provides insight into the circumstances that may have led Nasr-Rizq to embark on his fateful journey aboard the Titanic.

The Titanic Journey

Why did Nasr-Rizq board the Titanic?

Su’ādah Ḥannā Nasr-Rizq boarded the RMS Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as a third-class passenger. His decision to travel on the Titanic may have been influenced by his need to escape his troubled past in Lebanon. It appears he was not traveling alone, as reports suggest he was accompanied by others from his local area.

Ticket and Fare Details

Ticket Number: 2676
Fare: £7 4s 6d (7 pounds, 4 shillings, and 6 pence)

This fare, equivalent to approximately £890 in 2023, represented a significant investment for a third-class passenger, highlighting the importance of this journey for Nasr-Rizq.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Nasr-Rizq on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

As a third-class passenger, Su’ādah Ḥannā Nasr-Rizq faced significant challenges in surviving the Titanic disaster. Third-class passengers were often at a disadvantage due to:

Limited access to lifeboats
Language barriers
Unfamiliarity with the ship’s layout

Tragically, Nasr-Rizq did not survive the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified, leaving his final moments aboard the Titanic a mystery.

Legacy and Impact

While Su’ādah Ḥannā Nasr-Rizq’s life was cut short at the young age of 20 (twenty), his story contributes to the broader narrative of the Titanic disaster and its impact on immigrant passengers seeking new opportunities.

Financial Support for the Family

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Nasr-Rizq’s parents received financial assistance from the Titanic relief fund. This support highlights the widespread impact of the disaster and the efforts made to aid the families of those lost.

Remembering the Forgotten

Su’ādah Ḥannā Nasr-Rizq’s story serves as a reminder of the many third-class victims whose lives were lost in the Titanic disaster. While less is known about many of these passengers compared to their first and second-class counterparts, their stories are equally important in understanding the full scope of the tragedy.

Unanswered Questions

What might have become of Nasr-Rizq had he survived?

Given his troubled past and the circumstances that led him to flee Lebanon, one can only speculate about the life Su’ādah Ḥannā Nasr-Rizq might have led had he survived the Titanic disaster. His journey represents the hopes and dreams of many immigrants seeking a fresh start, tragically cut short by one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.