Extensive Search and Rescue: The search for survivors continued with several vessels, including the Carpathia, assisting in the efforts. The Carpathia, which rescued the majority of survivors on the morning of April 15, was joined by other ships such as the Mount Temple, the Californian, and the Olympic (Titanic's sister ship) to scour the area for survivors.
Recovery of Bodies: Unfortunately, the fourth day also saw a significant increase in the recovery of bodies from the frigid waters. The Carpathia and other ships encountered numerous lifeless bodies floating around the debris field. The crew of the Carpathia had the somber task of retrieving the bodies and preparing them for burial at sea.
Funeral Services: Simple funeral services were conducted on board the Carpathia for those who had lost their lives. Captain Arthur Rostron, the commander of the Carpathia, performed religious ceremonies and led prayers for the deceased. The remains were then reverently committed to the sea.
Media Coverage: The tragic news of the Titanic disaster had reached the global community, and the media played a crucial role in disseminating information. Newspapers around the world reported on the latest developments, including the ongoing rescue efforts and the heartbreaking accounts of survivors.
Communication Challenges: Despite the use of wireless telegraphy, communication during the Titanic disaster faced significant challenges. The wireless operators on the Titanic did not have enough time to send detailed distress messages before the ship sank. As a result, there was limited information available to rescue ships and the wider world during the initial hours of the disaster.
The Arrival of the Olympic: The Olympic, Titanic's sister ship, arrived at the disaster site on the fourth day. The Olympic had received an urgent request from the White Star Line to assist with the rescue efforts, but due to the distance and the limited communication, it arrived after most survivors had been rescued.
Inquiries and Investigations: The fourth day also marked the beginning of inquiries into the disaster. Inquiries were launched by the British Board of Trade and the United States Senate to investigate the causes of the sinking and to determine responsibility for the tragedy. These inquiries would reveal critical factors that contributed to the disaster, including inadequate lifeboat capacity and insufficient communication protocols.
In conclusion, the fourth day of the Titanic disaster encompassed somber events as rescue efforts continued, the search for survivors shifted to body recovery, and the world grappled with the enormity of the tragedy. The ongoing inquiries into the disaster highlighted the need for improvements in safety regulations and protocols to prevent future maritime disasters.