Futility or The Wreck of the Titan
This novella, or short story, by Morgan Robertson tells about the fictional ship Titan. It had many similarities to the Titanic - the story itself was eerily identical to the sinking of the Titanic! One would say that the story was based on the story of the Titanic. But Futility had been written 14 years before the Titanic. Below is a list of similarities between the Titan and Titanic. It is very scary to see how similar they are!
- Flag of Registry- Britain for both
- Time of Sailing- April for both
- Propellers - 3 for both
- Top Speed - 25 knots for both
- Passengers Aboard - around 2000 for both
- Side Damaged - Starboard for both
Futility, or The Wreck of the Titan-an excerpt
Chapter 1
She was the largest craft afloat and the greatest of the works of men. In her construction and maintenance were involved every science, profession, and trade known to civilization. On her bridge were officers, who, besides being the pick of the Royal Navy, had passed rigid examinations in all studies that pertained to the winds, tides, currents, and geography of the sea; they were not only seamen, but scientists. The same professional standard applied to the personnel of the engine-room, and the steward’s department was equal to that of a first-class hotel...
She was the largest craft afloat and the greatest of the works of men. In her construction and maintenance were involved every science, profession, and trade known to civilization. On her bridge were officers, who, besides being the pick of the Royal Navy, had passed rigid examinations in all studies that pertained to the winds, tides, currents, and geography of the sea; they were not only seamen, but scientists. The same professional standard applied to the personnel of the engine-room, and the steward’s department was equal to that of a first-class hotel...