description HMHS Britannic Overview
HMHS Britannic was the third and final vessel of the White Star Line's Olympic-class ocean liners, serving as a hospital ship during World War I. The ship was originally intended to be a passenger liner named RMS Britannic, but was requisitioned by the British Admiralty before her completion. On November 21, 1916, while sailing in the Aegean Sea, she struck a naval mine and sank, resulting in the deaths of 30 of the 1,066 people on board. The vessel's wreckage rests at the bottom of the sea and was discovered in 1975 by Jacques Cousteau.
help HMHS Britannic FAQ
How was Britannic related to Titanic and Olympic?
Britannic was the third Olympic-class ship built for the White Star Line after Olympic and Titanic. Design changes made after Titanic's 1912 loss included expanded watertight protection, but Britannic never entered passenger service.
Why was Britannic being used as a hospital ship?
The British Admiralty requisitioned the unfinished liner during World War I and converted it into His Majesty's Hospital Ship Britannic. Its white hull, green stripe, and large red crosses identified its protected medical role.
What sank HMHS Britannic?
Britannic struck a mine in the Kea Channel of the Aegean Sea on November 21, 1916. The mine had been laid by the German submarine U-73, and the ship sank in less than an hour.
Why did Britannic sink faster than Titanic despite its safety improvements?
The mine opened multiple compartments, and open portholes allowed additional flooding as the ship developed a list. Captain Charles Bartlett tried to beach Britannic on Kea, but water spread faster while the vessel remained underway.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
