A remarkable letter penned by a Titanic survivor, Stanley May, has surfaced, detailing a near-miss incident that could have altered the course of history. The letter, sold at auction in April 2023 for over $19,000, describes a close call between the Titanic and the SS New York as the Titanic departed Southampton. May, who disembarked at Cobh, Ireland, with his family, wrote to his daughters about the near-collision, noting the SS New York breaking free from its moorings and drifting dangerously close to the Titanic. Tugboats narrowly averted disaster, but the incident delayed the Titanic's arrival in Cherbourg, France.
This "sliding doors moment," as auctioneer Andrew Aldridge described it, highlights the fragility of fate. Had the collision occurred, the Titanic's journey would have been further delayed, potentially avoiding the iceberg encounter that led to its tragic sinking just four days later, claiming over 1,500 lives. May's letter provides a chilling account of this near-miss, emphasizing the Titanic's vulnerability despite its reputation as "unsinkable." He describes the Titanic as a "palace," showcasing the luxury experienced by first-class passengers like himself. He also mentions purchasing a booklet of Titanic postcards as a souvenir, a poignant detail given the ship's imminent demise.
May's letter offers a unique perspective on the Titanic's early voyage, underscoring the chain of events that contributed to the disaster. The letter's sale coincides with the recent search for a missing submersible exploring the Titanic wreckage, bringing the tragedy back into public consciousness. This historical artifact serves as a stark reminder of the Titanic's fateful journey and the human stories intertwined with its demise.
