Master Urho Abraham Panula

Who Was Urho Abraham Panula?

Master Urho Abraham Panula was a 2 (two) year-old Finnish-American passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on April 25, 1909, young Urho was traveling with his mother and four brothers in third class, embarking on a journey that would tragically end his life at a tender age.

Early Life and Family Background

Urho Abraham Panula was born into a Finnish family, the son of Juha and Maria Panula. As a toddler, he was part of a large family unit that included at least four brothers:

• Eino Viljam Panula
• Ernesti Arvid Panula
• Jaako Arnold Panula
• Juha Niilo Panula

The Panula family’s story is one of migration and hope, as they were en route to join their father in America when disaster struck.

The Titanic Journey

Why Was the Panula Family on the Titanic?

The Panula family boarded the Titanic at Southampton, England, with the ultimate destination of Coal Centre, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They were embarking on a new chapter in their lives, planning to reunite with their father who had already made the journey to America.

What Were Their Travel Arrangements?

• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 3101295
• Fare: £39 9s 13d (39 pounds, 9 shillings, and 13 pence)

This substantial fare for a third-class passage indicates the significant investment the family made in their future, hoping for a better life in America.

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg, leading to one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. Tragically, Urho Abraham Panula, along with his mother and brothers, did not survive the sinking.

What Happened to Urho During the Disaster?

As a third-class passenger and a young child, Urho’s chances of survival were slim. The chaos and confusion of the sinking, combined with the “women and children first” protocol that was not always adhered to in third class, likely contributed to the entire family’s inability to reach the lifeboats.

Urho’s body was never found, a sad fate shared by many victims of the Titanic disaster.

Legacy and Remembrance

While Urho’s life was tragically short, his story, along with that of his family, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the Titanic disaster. The Panula family’s tale is particularly heart-wrenching, as it represents the loss of an entire family unit and the dreams they carried with them.

How is Urho Abraham Panula Remembered?

Urho is remembered as one of the youngest victims of the Titanic disaster. His story, intertwined with those of his family members, has been preserved in various Titanic memorials and historical records, ensuring that future generations will remember the impact of this tragedy on individual lives and families.

The Panula Family’s Titanic Connection

The Panula family’s tragedy extends beyond young Urho. All of the family members aboard the Titanic perished in the disaster:

1. Maija Emelia Abrahamintytar Panula, Urho’s mother
2. Eino Viljam Panula, brother
3. Ernesti Arvid Panula, brother
4. Jaako Arnold Panula, brother
5. Juha Niilo Panula, brother

Additionally, a family friend, Susanna Juhantytar Riihivuori, was traveling with them and also perished in the sinking.

Final Thoughts

Master Urho Abraham Panula’s brief life and tragic death aboard the Titanic serve as a somber reminder of the many young lives lost in this historic disaster. His story, though short, continues to resonate as part of the larger narrative of the Titanic, reminding us of the human cost behind the statistics and the dreams that were never realized.