> Which of the following ships was the first to reach the site of the Titanic'sdrowning?Considering the Olympic, the Carpathia, the Californian and the Antillian, theanswer is: the Carpathia. Photo credit: public domain.Though the Titanic had sunk by the time it reached,the Carpathia went on to rescue 705 people in lifeboats. During World War I, theship was used to transport Allied troops and supplies, and sank when it wasattacked by a German U-Boat.April 10, 1912: the RMS Titanic departs South England on her maiden voyage.Along with her sister, the Olympic, the Titanic is the largest ship in theworld. April 11, 1912: the Titanic departs from Queen Town, Ireland and entersthe open ocean— making full steam for New York. That very same day, another,much smaller ship departs New York with 740 passengers in tow. The ship, RMSCarpathia, is headed to Austria-Hungary. April 14, 1912, just 4 days into her maiden voyage: the Titanic strikes aniceberg. Fatally wounded, the Titanic slows to a stop. After assessing thedamage, the crew determines that the ship has just 2 hours and 40 minutes beforeit goes under. 58 miles away, Harold Cottam is the sole wireless operator on theCarpathia. After receiving the Titanic's distress signals, Cottam promptlyinforms the captain of the Carpathia of the Titanic's position, and the shipbegins the process of changing course to meet the ailing ship. They preparetriage centers, lifeboats, and manpower to treat survivors of the Titanic. 2:20 AM: the Titanic plunges into the sea, sending the remaining survivors intothe ice cold water. The Carpathia, still an hour and 40 minutes away, chugsahead at 17 knots— 4 knots over the maximum speed of the ship. Finally, 4:00 AM:the Carpathia reaches the Titanic. For the next 4 hours, Carpathia loads over700 passengers safely onto the ship to safety. Learn more about the Titanic's tragic plight and the heroic actions of theCarpathia below.