Mr Tido (Ejdo) Rekić

Who was Tido Rekić?

Mr Tido (Ejdo) Rekić was a 38 (thirty-eight) year-old Bosnian passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. A married general labourer from Krupa, Bosnia (then part of Austria-Hungary), Rekić was returning to America after visiting his family when he became one of the many victims of the Titanic disaster.

Early Life and Background

A Family Man from Bosnia

Tido Rekić was born in 1874 in Bosnia, which at the time was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He was married and had a large family, consisting of:

Four sons
Two daughters

His roots were in Krupa, a town in northwestern Bosnia, where his family resided.

Working in America

In 1906, at the age of 32 (thirty-two), Rekić made a significant life decision:

Emigrated to America
Worked in a mine
Spent approximately 6 years away from his family

This period of separation from his loved ones highlights the sacrifices many immigrants made in search of better opportunities.

The Titanic Journey

Returning to America

After visiting his wife and children in Bosnia, Rekić prepared for his return journey to America. This time, he was not traveling alone:

Accompanied by three friends
Destination: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Traveled as a third-class passenger

Ticket and Embarkation Details

Rekić’s journey began with careful planning:

Purchased ticket from agent Viktor Klaus-Wildi in Buchs
Ticket cost: 293 Swiss francs (equivalent to £7 17s 11d)
Ticket number: 349249
Embarked at Southampton

Fate During the Disaster

Tragically, Tido Rekić did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class victim, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in higher classes.

Rekić died in the sinking. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

This stark statement encapsulates the harsh reality faced by many third-class passengers during the disaster.

Legacy and Remembrance

Support for the Family

In the aftermath of the tragedy, efforts were made to support the families of victims:

Rekić’s widow and four dependent children in Bosne Krupe received £130 from the Titanic relief fund
This financial assistance, while unable to replace their loss, provided some support during a difficult time

Memorial in Bosanska Krupa

On April 15, 2012, exactly 100 years after the Titanic’s sinking, a touching tribute was made:

A memorial was erected in Bosanska Krupa
It honored the four Bosnians who died in the sinking, including Tido Rekić

This memorial serves as a lasting reminder of the impact the Titanic disaster had on communities far from the Atlantic Ocean.

Connections to Other Passengers

Rekić’s journey was intertwined with those of his fellow Bosnian travelers. He knew:

These connections paint a picture of a small community of Bosnian workers, supporting each other as they sought opportunities across the ocean.

What was Tido Rekić’s ultimate destination?

Tido Rekić and his companions were bound for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This destination suggests that they may have been planning to work in the region’s coal mines or steel industry, both of which were significant employers of immigrant labor in the early 20th century.

Rekić’s story is a poignant reminder of the dreams and aspirations carried by many immigrants aboard the Titanic, and the profound impact of the disaster on families and communities around the world.