Mr Vasilios G. Katavelos

Who was Vasilios G. Katavelos?

Vasilios G. Katavelos was a 19 (nineteen) year-old Greek farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. As a third-class passenger, Katavelos embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise in one of history’s most infamous maritime disasters.

Early Life and Background

Where did Vasilios Katavelos come from?

Vasilios G. Katavelos hailed from Áyos Sóstis, Peloponnes, Greece. Born in 1893, he was a young man of just 19 (nineteen) years when he decided to leave his homeland in search of new opportunities across the Atlantic.

What was Katavelos’s occupation?

Prior to his fateful journey, Katavelos worked as a farmer in Greece. His decision to travel to America may have been motivated by the prospect of better economic opportunities or the chance to start a new life in a land of promise.

The Titanic Journey

How did Katavelos board the Titanic?

Vasilios Katavelos boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, on April 10, 1912. He had traveled to Cherbourg via Marseilles, highlighting the extensive journey he had already undertaken before even stepping foot on the ill-fated ship.

What were the details of Katavelos’s ticket?

Ticket Number: 2682
Class: Third Class
Cost: £7 4s 7d (7 pounds, 4 shillings, and 7 pence)

Where was Katavelos heading?

Katavelos’s ultimate destination was 428 Wells Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This detail provides insight into his possible intentions of starting a new life or joining family or friends already established in America.

Fate During the Disaster

What happened to Vasilios Katavelos during the Titanic’s sinking?

Tragically, Vasilios Katavelos did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. As a third-class passenger, his chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first or second class due to the limited access to lifeboats and the ship’s upper decks.

Was Katavelos’s body recovered?

Yes, Katavelos’s body was recovered by the Mackay-Bennett, a cable-laying ship chartered to recover bodies from the disaster site. His body was assigned the number 58.

NO. 58. - MALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 18. - HAIR AND COMPLEXION, DARK. CLOTHING - Dark mixture suit; check shirt; black boots; no marks on body or clothing. EFFECTS - Purse with 10 c; pocket mirror; comb; key. THIRD CLASS. NAME - CATAVELAS VASSILIOS.

What happened to Katavelos’s remains?

Despite the recovery of his body, Vasilios Katavelos was buried at sea on April 22, 1912. This was a common practice for many of the recovered victims due to the limitations of storage and transportation of bodies back to port.

Personal Effects and Legacy

What personal items were found with Katavelos?

The following items were recovered with Vasilios Katavelos’s body:

Purse containing 10 cents
Pocket mirror
Comb
Key

Were Katavelos’s belongings returned to his family?

Yes, Katavelos’s personal effects were received by his family members on September 12/21, 1912, in Piraeus, Greece. The recipients were:

His brothers: Peter and Panagioti
His sister: Lansbrimi

What additional items were returned to the family?

In addition to the items found on his body, the following were also returned to Katavelos’s family:

2 memo books
Papers, including an Inland order for a railroad journey from New York to Milwaukee

This railroad order provides further evidence of Katavelos’s intended destination and plans in America, adding a poignant touch to the story of his interrupted journey.

Remembering Vasilios G. Katavelos

Vasilios G. Katavelos’s story is a stark reminder of the many young lives cut short by the Titanic disaster. At just 19 (nineteen) years old, he represented the hopes and dreams of countless immigrants seeking a better life across the ocean. His journey from the fields of Greece to the ill-fated decks of the Titanic serves as a poignant example of the human cost of this historic tragedy.