Mr Tome Pocrnić

Who was Tome Pocrnić?

Tome Pocrnić was a 24 (twenty-four) year-old Croatian farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a third-class passenger, Pocrnić’s story represents one of the many immigrant narratives that were cut short by the infamous maritime disaster.

Early Life and Background

Born in 1888 in Croatia, Tome Pocrnić hailed from the town of Bukovac. By the age of 24, he had already established himself as a farmer and was married with two children. Like many Europeans of his time, Pocrnić saw opportunity in America and decided to embark on a journey that would ultimately lead him to the ill-fated Titanic.

What was Pocrnić’s family situation?

Pocrnić left behind a wife, Mara Pocrnić, and their two children in Bukovac when he set out for America. His decision to seek a better life in the New World was likely motivated by the desire to provide for his young family.

The Titanic Journey

How did Pocrnić prepare for his transatlantic voyage?

To reach his final destination of South Chicago, Illinois, Tome Pocrnić meticulously planned his journey:

1. He purchased his ticket from Johann Isidor Büchel, an agent in Buchs, Switzerland.
2. The ticket cost 170 Swiss francs, equivalent to £8 13s 3d.
3. His ticket number was 315092.

Pocrnić boarded the Titanic at Southampton as a third-class passenger, joining the ranks of many other hopeful immigrants seeking new opportunities across the Atlantic.

Notable Travel Companion: It is presumed that Pocrnić traveled with Mate Pocrnić, possibly a relative or fellow countryman.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Tome Pocrnić on the night of April 14-15, 1912?

Tragically, Tome Pocrnić did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of reaching a lifeboat were significantly lower than those in first or second class. The chaotic events of that fateful night claimed his life, along with over 1,500 others.

Key points about Pocrnić’s fate:

• He was last seen on the Titanic on April 15, 1912.
• His body, if recovered, was never identified.
• At the time of his death, Pocrnić was still 24 years old, having barely begun his journey to a new life.

Legacy and Impact

While Tome Pocrnić’s life was cut short, his story lives on as part of the larger Titanic narrative. The impact of his loss was felt most keenly by his family back in Croatia.

How was Pocrnić’s family affected by the tragedy?

In the aftermath of the disaster:

• Mara Pocrnić, Tome’s widow, received £120 from the Titanic relief fund.
• This money was intended to help support Mara and their two children in Bukovac.

The compensation, while unable to replace their lost husband and father, provided some financial assistance to the bereaved family.

Remembering Tome Pocrnić

Tome Pocrnić’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. His journey from a small Croatian town to the decks of the world’s most famous ship encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of countless immigrants of his era. Though his life ended tragically, Pocrnić’s memory endures as part of the rich tapestry of Titanic victims whose stories continue to fascinate and move us more than a century later.