Frederick Fleet was a sailor who made history as the watchman on the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on October 15, 1887, in Liverpool, England, Fleet's career at sea began as a deckboy before rising through the ranks to become a competent seaman. He served as an officer on the RMS Oceanic for four years before joining the crew of the Titanic.

Role on the Titanic

On the night of April 14, 1912, Fleet was on duty as the lookout when he spotted the iceberg that would ultimately lead to the sinking of the Titanic. His famous words, "Iceberg, right ahead!" alerted the crew to the imminent danger, but it was too late to avoid a collision. Fleet managed to escape the sinking ship and later gave evidence to inquiries held by both the British and American governments regarding the disaster.

Post-Titanic Career

Following his harrowing experience on the Titanic, Fleet continued to work at sea, serving as a lookout on merchant ships during both World War I and World War II. He believed that if he had been provided with binoculars on the night of the Titanic disaster, the tragedy could have been averted.

Personal Life

Fleet's personal life was marked by tragedy, as his wife, Eva Ernestine Le Gros, passed away in December of 1964. After her death, Fleet's brother-in-law evicted him from his home, leading to a period of hardship for the Titanic survivor. Sadly, Fleet ultimately took his own life, unable to cope with the challenges he faced.

Legacy

Frederick Fleet's role as the lookout on the Titanic has become a part of maritime history, with his actions on that fateful night forever etched in the annals of time. His testimony at the inquiries into the disaster shed light on the events leading up to the sinking of the Titanic and sparked discussions about safety measures at sea.

Despite the tragic end to his life, Frederick Fleet's bravery and quick thinking on the night of the Titanic disaster will always be remembered as a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.