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Hole torn in the hull of RMS Olympic after the collision with HMS Hawke in the Solent, 1911
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Hole torn in the hull of RMS Olympic after the collision with HMS Hawke in the Solent, 1911
Hole torn in the hull of RMS Olympic after the collision with HMS Hawke in the Solent, 20th September 1911. The collision took place as Olympic and Hawke were running parallel to each other through the Solent. As Olympic turned to starboard, the wide radius of her turn took the commander of Hawke by surprise, and he was unable to take sufficient avoiding action. Hawkes bow, collided with Olympics starboard side near the stern, tearing two large holes in Olympics hull, above and below the waterline which resulted in the flooding of two of her watertight compartments and a twisted propeller shaft. At a subsequent inquiry the Royal Navy blamed Olympic for the incident, alleging that her large displacement generated a suction that pulled Hawke into her side
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Media ID 15515422
© Kirk & Sons of Cowes / Heritage-Images
Accident Arthur Henry Arthur Henry Kirk Cowes Edgar Wp Edgar Wp Kirk Hampshire Harland And Wolff Incident Kirk Kirk Sons Of Kirk Sons Of Cowes Liner Ocean Liner Passenger Ship Rms Titanic Shipbuilding Southampton Steamship Titanic Transatlantic White Star Line William Umpleby William Umpleby Kirk Hms Hawke Rms Olympic Warship
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a moment frozen in time - the aftermath of a dramatic collision between two mighty vessels. The image showcases the devastating impact on RMS Olympic, one of the most iconic ocean liners of its era, after it collided with HMS Hawke in the Solent on September 20th, 1911. As both ships sailed parallel to each other through the narrow channel, Olympic made an unexpected turn to starboard. Caught off guard by her wide radius, the commander of Hawke was unable to react swiftly enough to avoid disaster. The bow of Hawke forcefully tore into Olympic's starboard side near the stern, leaving behind two gaping holes above and below the waterline. The consequences were dire as two watertight compartments flooded and even Olympics' propeller shaft suffered damage. A subsequent inquiry held Royal Navy responsible for this unfortunate incident, blaming Olympics' immense displacement for generating a suction that pulled Hawke towards her side. This photograph is not just a visual record but also serves as a historical testament to an event that had far-reaching implications for maritime safety regulations. It highlights how even grand vessels like Olympic were vulnerable to accidents at sea. Preserved by Heritage Images, this monochrome print provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our past and appreciate how advancements in shipbuilding have shaped modern transportation systems.
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