The Titanic was the biggest ship anyone had ever built. It was as long as almost three football fields. People said it could never sink.
On April 10, 1912, the Titanic left England on its very first trip. It was going to New York City. More than 2,200 people were on board.
The ship was amazing. It had a swimming pool, a gym, and fancy restaurants. Some rooms were as nice as a palace.
too late!But four days into the trip, late at night, a lookout spotted something in the dark water. An iceberg! The crew turned the ship, but it was too late. The iceberg scraped along the side and tore holes in the bottom.
Water started pouring in. The ship did not have enough lifeboats for everyone. Many brave people helped women and children get on the boats first.
About two hours and forty minutes later, the Titanic broke apart and sank into the freezing ocean. More than 1,500 people did not survive. It was one of the saddest days in history.
After the Titanic sank, new rules were made. Now every ship must have enough lifeboats for everyone. Ships must also have a radio on all the time to hear calls for help.