31 January - The Great Eastern was launched in 1858

 

The Great Eastern, a large steamship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and John Scott Russell, was  launched at Millwall on January 31, 1858. The ship was notable for its massive size and innovative design, featuring five funnels. The Great Eastern was intended for both transatlantic passenger service and as a cable-laying ship.

Despite its technological advancements, the Great Eastern faced challenges, including financial difficulties and engineering issues. The ship's original purpose as a passenger liner was not as successful as hoped, but it later found use in laying the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable in 1866.

The launch of the Great Eastern marked a significant moment in maritime history, and the ship remains a fascinating example of Victorian engineering and innovation.

30 January - The MV Wilhelm Gustloff disaster 1945

 

The Wilhelm Gustloff disaster refers to the sinking of the German passenger ship MV Wilhelm Gustloff during World War II. The tragedy occurred on January 30, 1945, in the Baltic Sea. The ship was named after Wilhelm Gustloff, a Nazi leader of the Swiss branch of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP).

On that fateful day, the Wilhelm Gustloff was evacuating German civilians, military personnel, and refugees from East Prussia as the Soviet Red Army advanced towards the region. The ship, which was designed to accommodate around 1,900 passengers, was heavily overloaded with an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 people on board.

In the evening of January 30, 1945, the Wilhelm Gustloff was torpedoed by the Soviet submarine S-13, commanded by Captain Alexander Marinesko. The ship sank rapidly, and the freezing cold waters claimed the lives of thousands. The exact number of casualties is difficult to determine due to the chaotic circumstances and the lack of accurate passenger manifests. However, it is estimated that between 5,000 and 9,000 people lost their lives in what became one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history.

The sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff is a tragic episode in the context of World War II, illustrating the human cost of war and the impact on civilians caught in the midst of conflict.

 

13 January - The cruise ship Costa Concordia sinks

 

The Costa Concordia cruise ship encounter a tragic incident on January 13, 2012. On that day, the Costa Concordia, operated by the Costa Cruises line, ran aground off the coast of Isola del Giglio, Italy. The ship, carrying thousands of passengers and crew members, struck a rock, causing a large gash in its hull.

The accident led to the capsizing of the Costa Concordia, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries. The evacuation process was challenging, and the incident drew widespread attention due to the scale of the disaster and the subsequent investigation into the captain's actions. The Costa Concordia sinking remains one of the notable maritime disasters in recent history.

12 January - RMS Queen Mary 2 began its maiden voyage in 2004

 

The RMS Queen Mary 2, a luxury ocean liner, began its maiden voyage on 12 January 2004. The Queen Mary 2 is the flagship of the Cunard Line and is renowned for its elegance, luxurious accommodations, and transatlantic voyages.

Key features and facts about the RMS Queen Mary 2:

    Maiden Voyage: The Queen Mary 2 embarked on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, on 12 January 2004.

    Transatlantic Route: While the ship operates various cruise itineraries, it is particularly known for its regular transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York City, maintaining a tradition that dates back to the early 19th century.

    Luxury and Elegance: The Queen Mary 2 is known for its luxurious amenities, including opulent staterooms, gourmet dining, theaters, and a variety of entertainment options. It aims to provide a classic and elegant cruise experience.

    Size and Design: At the time of its launch, the Queen Mary 2 was one of the largest ocean liners ever built. It features a distinctive design reminiscent of classic ocean liners, with a black hull and white superstructure.

    Cunard Line Heritage: The Queen Mary 2 is part of the Cunard Line's fleet, which has a rich history in transatlantic travel. The Cunard Line has been associated with some of the most famous ocean liners, including the original RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth.

    Renovations and Upgrades: Over the years, the Queen Mary 2 has undergone renovations and upgrades to maintain its high standards and incorporate modern amenities.

The Queen Mary 2 continues to be a symbol of luxury travel and oceanic grandeur. Its transatlantic crossings and worldwide cruises attract passengers seeking a combination of classic elegance and modern comforts.

9th JANUARY 1972 RMS Queen Elizabeth caught fire and sank in Hong Kong harbour.

 

The RMS Queen Elizabeth, the liner that had been turned into a sailing university, caught fire and sank in Hong Kong harbour.
The RMS Queen Elizabeth was built in Scotland’s Clydebank shipyard by John Brown’s and was  largest passenger ship in the world for over thirty years when it was launched in 1938. The 83,000 ton vessel was used to transport troops during the Second World War, before then being turned to commercial use. After being sold to a Hong Kong businessman, it was sent to a Hong Kong harbour for refitting, but caught fire on the 9th January 1972. The entire Hong Kong firefighting force spent two days trying to put out the blaze, but the ship turned on it’s side.  Remarkably, no one was killed during the enormous fire.  RMS Queen Elizabeth was later used in a scene in James Bond film 'The Man With The Golden Gun' in 1974 when the wreck was partially dismantled, between then and 1975, the rest was buried under land reclamation.

USS Constitution captured the HMS Java on 29 December 1812

 

The USS Constitution, a frigate of the United States Navy, captured the HMS Java, a British frigate, on 29 December 1812, during the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. This naval engagement took place in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Brazil.

The USS Constitution, commanded by Captain William Bainbridge, engaged the HMS Java, commanded by Captain Henry Lambert, in a fierce battle that resulted in the surrender of the British ship. The victory was a significant achievement for the United States during the war, and it added to the reputation of the USS Constitution, which became known as "Old Ironsides" due to the perception that British cannonballs appeared to bounce off its strong hull.