On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic, deemed 'unsinkable,' tragically struck an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. The disaster resulted in the loss of over 1,500 lives, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history. The sinking raised significant concerns about maritime safety regulations, leading to changes in ship design and the establishment of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

The sinking of the Titanic in 1912 became a powerful symbol of human hubris and the limits of technology. This tragedy inspired numerous ballads and modernist reflections, including works by poets like John Betjeman, who examined the fragility of life and the consequences of overreaching ambition.