Speaker 1: 0:00

The Titanic disaster, while a somber chapter in maritime history, also stands as a testament to the resilience and nobility of the human spirit. Amidst the chaos and tragedy, stories of courage, sacrifice and selflessness emerged, painting a picture of humanity at its best. The disaster saw many acts of heroism, particularly from the ship's crew. Officers and crew members worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of passengers, often putting their own lives at risk. The band's decision to play music as the ship sank is one such act that has been remembered for its poignancy and bravery. The numerous accounts of men giving up their places in lifeboats for women and children, adhering to a code of chivalry that transcends social, class and personal safety. This selfless behavior highlighted the innate human capacity for compassion in dire circumstances. The survivors' tales are filled with moments of hope and despair, but also with instances where strangers help each other survive. These stories underscore the importance of community and mutual aid in times of crisis. But the story of Arlo was never recorded in history.

Speaker 1: 1:24

A young artist moving to America, arlo, decided to leave everything behind in the town of Farnham in pursuit of a prosperous career in painting and the world of art. His fiancée, megan, stayed behind, preparing for her move as well. For her move as well. She had been devoted to the idea of a new life in the West, and Arlo's move on the Titanic's maiden voyage was the answer to many of their prayers. There had been detailed plans and many discussions to achieve the easiest transition process for them both. Megan was extremely happy. This move was the first step of many great things to come in their relationship.

Speaker 1: 2:10

But on April 14, 1912, as the Titanic trembled from the impact with the iceberg in the middle of the Atlantic, arlo had nothing but to cling to hope for his survival. Loud screams began to emerge throughout the night as the ship's demise was all too clear. In an act of desperation, and just to make sure he left something behind in case of an untimely death, arlo began to write Megan a letter. There is no specific record of the manifest as it relates to Arlo's details, but we can safely say that he traveled among the second-class population on board. Sometime during the night, before the structure of the vessel sank to the darkness of the Atlantic Ocean, arlo completed the small letter to his fiancée, but he never made it to the assigned mail crew on board.

Speaker 1: 3:03

When the Carpathia arrived at the tragic scene of the lifeless, frozen souls floating in the water, ernest Archer, able-bodied seaman from Southampton, on board of one of the lifeboats, began to row towards safety. But as the paddle hit the water, a small envelope jumped from the darkness of the surface to the sea. There was nothing written on the envelope. It was completely blank. Ernest grabbed the envelope and put it inside his pocket as he concentrated on reaching the Carpathia that night. As the count of survivors and names were taken, completed during the day, ernest grabbed the envelope and opened it. It was a letter addressed to a woman named Megan and signed by a gentleman named Arlo. Nothing else was written. Out of mere curiosity and as a means to remove himself from such a grim and disastrous reality, Ernest began to read the document.

Speaker 2: 4:18

This is what he said. My dearest Meghan, as I sit in my cabin, the gentle rocking of the Titanic loathes me into a somber reflection. The night is calm and the stars above seem to whisper secrets of the universe. Yet amidst this tranquility, a sense of foreboding grips my heart. I write to you with a heavy heart, for I feel that our time together is drawing to a close. The ship which we have come to know as our floating sanctuary may not be as invincible as we once believed. There are murmurs among the passengers, whispers of icebergs and warnings unheeded. I want you to know that my love for you is as vast as the ocean we traverse. It is a love that will endure beyond the confines of this vessel, beyond the reach of any tragedy that may befall us. Please take care of yourself and our family. Hold on to the memories we have created and cherish them always If fate decrees that I am not to return them. Always If fate decrees that I am not to return, know that my final thoughts are of you and the life we shared, with all my love and deepest regrets, arlo.

Speaker 1: 5:46

The sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912, is one of the most tragic maritime disasters in history. The luxury liner struck an iceberg during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City and sank in the North Atlantic Ocean. Out of an estimated 2,224 people on board, more than 1,500 lost their lives. The majority of the casualties were among the third-class passengers, with only about 174 out of approximately 710 surviving. Approximately 173 of the estimated 284 passengers traveling in second class perished. This represented about 58% of those on a second class ticket. The loss of life among the second class passengers was significant, reflecting the overall severity of the disaster.

Speaker 1: 6:49

Titanic sinking remains a poignant reminder of the importance of maritime safety and the unpredictable nature of sea travel. But in this story, the resilience and ability of the human spirit rose to the surface with the letter that Arlo wrote to his fiancée. And although Arlo's body was never found, his fiancée and although Arlo's body was never found, this tragic story of hope, love and death lives on thanks to the time he took to remember the light of Megan while engulfed in the darkness of an Atlantic Ocean demise. Let him be remembered always and let love be our guide wherever we go and in the middle of whatever we do, rest easy, ar arlo, and thank you.

Speaker 3: 7:34

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