‘The Olympic-Hawke Collision: Precursor to the Titanic Disaster’
(September 2026)
Months before the Titanic disaster, her sister ship Olympic was involved in a collision with HMS Hawke. The incident created a storm of controversy in the popular press and, later, the courts. It was hotly debated as to which ship was at fault. At the time, it was a logistical nightmare for the White Star Line, who had to take Olympic out of service for weeks of repairs at the height of her first season. Press reports spoke about the ship’s safety: she had survived serious flooding, not only remaining afloat and stable but also returning to port under her own steam. It was argued she had proven herself ‘unsinkable’.
Many of the same individuals were involved, including Captain E. J. Smith, Chief Officer Henry Wilde and First Officer William Murdoch – all of whom lost their lives in the Titanic disaster. We hear from them as they testify in court, providing interesting insights into their actions.
