The RMS Titanic, a marvel of early 20th-century engineering, carried a diverse group of passengers on its ill-fated maiden voyage. Among them were the third class passengers, also known as steerage, who made up the majority of those aboard.

These travelers, numbering 706, were a mix of immigrants seeking new opportunities in America and working-class individuals. Despite their modest accommodations, many third class passengers viewed the Titanic as a symbol of hope and a gateway to a better life. Tragically, when disaster struck on April 15, 1912, they faced the highest mortality rate among all passenger classes.

The survival rate for third class passengers was significantly lower than that of first and second class. This disparity was due in part to their cabins being located furthest from the lifeboats and the complex layout of the steerage areas. Despite these challenges, some third class passengers managed to survive the sinking, their stories of resilience and determination becoming an integral part of the Titanic’s legacy.