Great Liner Begins Maiden Voyage as Whistles Blow, Flags Fly, and History Sets Sail

SOUTHAMPTON, April 10, 1912 (Midday Dispatch) — Amid much spectacle and solemn pride, RMS Titanic has this day departed Southampton Docks, her gleaming hull sliding into the still waters of the Solent under a sky of pale spring grey. At exactly 12:15 PM, with a deep-throated blast of her triple-toned whistle and the cheers of thousands echoing across the quay, the world’s largest steamship began her historic maiden voyage to New York.

In our coverage of the RMS Titanic Anniversary this year, NetNewsLedger will cover the event as if we were covering it as it happened. This first report as the ship prepares to set course on her fateful journey is on the days before sailing. In those days newspaper coverage was the premier media.

The crowd — numbering in the tens of thousands — gathered as early as dawn to witness the event. Families of crewmen stood shoulder to shoulder with the curious public, their eyes scanning the decks for familiar faces. Boys waved their caps, women clutched parasols, and elderly men saluted as the Titanic, painted in black and cream and crowned with four towering funnels, cast off from Berth 44 with the assistance of five tugs.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS, GREAT MACHINERY

Her four engines rumbled into life like some ancient beast waking from slumber, sending gentle ripples across the harbour. On board, passengers lined the rails — ladies in feathered hats, gentlemen in morning coats — waving white-gloved hands and handkerchiefs to the assembled throng below. The ship moved with surprising grace, her 46,000 tons cutting cleanly through the water as if drawn forward by destiny itself.

Behind the glamour, efficiency reigned. The deck crew, in smart blue uniforms, stood at attention. Officers barked orders with crisp authority. Captain Edward J. Smith, appearing calm and commanding on the bridge, raised a gloved hand in greeting to the watching crowd. This voyage, as many know, shall be his last before retirement — and there is no finer vessel to conclude a career upon.

A MOMENT OF ALARM: NEAR COLLISION ON DEPARTURE

As the Titanic passed the liner New York, moored nearby, her immense bulk created such a displacement of water that the smaller vessel was drawn dangerously close — snapping mooring ropes and drifting alarmingly towards the Titanic’s starboard side. Gasps rippled through the crowd, and for a moment the great voyage teetered on the edge of mishap.

Quick action by the tugs and a deft command from the bridge averted the collision. Within minutes, Titanic resumed her stately course. Many remarked it was a sign of the ship’s sheer power — though some whispered that Neptune, ever moody, must be watching.

LUXURY AFLOAT: PASSENGERS SETTLE IN

As she makes way toward Cherbourg, where continental passengers shall board later tonight, life aboard the Titanic is already settling into its genteel rhythm. Stewards are assisting ladies with their luggage; the First Class dining saloon is being laid for its first evening meal at sea.

Musicians are tuning their instruments in the first-class lounge. In Second and Third Class, emigrants from Britain, Ireland, and the Continent are finding their berths and exploring the ship’s surprising cleanliness and space.

All seems orderly, optimistic. The air carries the scent of coal smoke, salt, and polished wood. This is no ordinary departure — this is the Titanic, sailing into legend.

A NEW ERA, A NEW STANDARD

From the heart of Southampton to the bustling offices of Liverpool, and across the Empire and the Americas, all eyes now follow this ship of steel and splendour. Titanic is not merely a vessel; she is a monument to British industry and ambition, a symbol of modernity and trust.

As she steams down the Channel, bound next for Queenstown before striking westward for New York, we bid her Godspeed — with pride in our hearts and a sense that history, once again, has turned a new page upon the sea.