Show Notes
Charles Lightoller was the most senior officer to survive the sinking of the Titanic, and his story did not end in the North Atlantic. In this episode, we follow Titanic’s Second Officer from the bridge on the night of April 14, 1912, to the beaches of Dunkirk nearly three decades later.
Rich Napolitano speaks with author and historian Dustin D. Hyland about his book, "Unsinkable Lights: Charles H. Lightoller’s Epic Tale of Hope and Survival". Available now at https://www.penandswordbooks.com/ or dustinhyland.com
Lightoller survived the sinking by climbing onto an overturned collapsible lifeboat and helping keep dozens of people alive until rescue arrived. He then testified at the inquiries that followed, defending his actions and the crew’s conduct. Few expected him to return to the sea, but he did, serving in the Royal Navy during World War I and earning decorations for his command of warships in combat.
In 1940, at age 66, he took his private yacht Sundowner across the Channel to help evacuate Allied troops from Dunkirk, bringing back more than 120 soldiers on a boat built for far fewer.
In this episode:
⚓The Titanic’s final hours from the officer’s point of view
⚓Survival on the overturned lifeboat
⚓Lightoller’s wartime service and his Dunkirk crossing ⚓His legacy as one of history’s most remarkable seafarers
* No compensation or remuneration was received by or paid by Rich Napolitano, Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs, or Nautilus Media, LLC in exchange for Mr. Hyland's participating in this podcast.
** No AI was used to create this video.
Written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano. All episodes, images, and sources can be found at shipwrecksandseadogs.com.
Original theme music by Sean Sigfried. https://www.seansigfried.com
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