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Titanic Survivor Oscar Hedman Recounted 'Harrowing' Sinking
Hedman said confusion over lifeboats and crew orders left him fighting for survival as about 1,500 people died in the disaster.
- On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean, killing about 1,500 passengers. Oscar Hedman, 27, survived the disaster and later recounted his harrowing escape.
- The ship struck an iceberg late on April 14, 1912, creating confusion among 2,200 passengers. Hedman, serving as an interpreter for Swedish travelers, navigated the deck with berth companion Carl Johnson before electrical failure plunged the area into darkness.
- Floating for about 30 minutes, Hedman secured a lifeboat spot by claiming expertise as a rower. The group rowed two or three hours until the Carpathia arrived from 58 miles away to rescue survivors.
- Hedman eventually settled in Onida, South Dakota, where he lived until his death on July 28, 1961. He frequently recounted his survival story, which was later documented by historian Phillip Gowan for the Onida Watchman.
- During his service on the Onida city council, colleagues questioned his naturalized citizenship and hired an attorney to investigate his eligibility. Hedman produced his original documents, successfully verifying his legal status in the United States.
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Titanic survivor Oscar Hedman recounted 'harrowing' sinking
ONIDA, S.D. — Oscar Hedman had already crossed the Atlantic Ocean at least once when he boarded the RMS Titanic in April of 1912 in Southampton, England. He had recently returned home from the United States to his native Sweden to visit relatives, and he now joined some 2,200 other passengers and crew as they began to steam west. The Titanic, of course, never made it to port in New York City. Instead, it collided with an iceberg in the North Atl…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left0Leaning Right7Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
C 56%
R 44%
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