On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic — the largest and most luxurious ocean liner of its time — struck an iceberg and sank into the freezing waters of the North Atlantic, claiming the lives of more than 1,500 people. The sudden demise of such a new and state-of-the-art vessel sent shockwaves through the shipping industry and the world at large.
In the aftermath, sweeping reforms in passenger safety were adopted. Ships, both new and old, were retrofitted to comply with updated safety standards. Conversations surrounding the Titanic disaster often focus on the ship’s most famous passengers — aristocrats, industrial magnates and socialites from England and America. But less often mentioned are the more humble figures aboard, many of whom showed extraordinary courage.
Among them was Charles Joughin, the ship’s chief baker, whose actions during the sinking would etch his name among the heroes of that tragic night.
Born on May 3, 1873, in Birkenhead, England, Joughin spent much of his life at sea. Trained as a baker, he worked aboard numerous transatlantic ships before joining the Titanic’s crew for its maiden voyage in April 1912. With years of experience under his belt, he was named chief baker — a role that placed him in charge of the ship’s extensive bakeries, ensuring fresh bread, pastries and cakes were prepared daily for passengers and crew.
Though his post was far from the prestigious officer corps, Joughin’s bravery during the disaster secured his legacy.
On the evening of April 14, 1912, the Titanic collided with an iceberg at 11:40 p.m., tearing open its starboard hull. The impact sent a jolt through the ship, and the crew quickly sprang into action to implement emergency procedures. Passengers, many unaware of the ship’s dire condition, were initially asked to remain calm. But as the vessel began to list and its stern rose slowly into the air, panic began to take hold.
Amid the growing chaos, Joughin remained remarkably composed. At first, he stayed in the galley, directing his fellow bakers to bring bread to the lifeboats. As the situation worsened, he moved topside and began helping passengers into lifeboats — even physically placing panic-stricken individuals into them when needed.
Unable to find a spot for himself, and with most lifeboats already lowered or lowering, Joughin began throwing deck chairs into the sea, hoping they might serve as flotation devices for others. He had accepted that he would not escape the sinking ship.
In what would prove to be a fateful decision, Joughin chose to stay aboard until the last possible moment. As the Titanic’s stern lifted high above the water during its final plunge, he clung to the railing. When the ship disappeared beneath him, he jumped.
Some have attributed his survival in the freezing water to the alcohol he consumed earlier in the night, believing it dulled the effects of the cold. But Joughin himself minimized that claim, suggesting his thick baker’s apron may have provided some insulation.
Eventually, he reached an overturned collapsible lifeboat already crowded with more than 30 men. A cook named Isaac Maynard recognized Joughin and held his hand as he clung to the side. Later, another lifeboat arrived, and Joughin swam to it and was pulled aboard. He remained there until he and the other survivors were rescued by the RMS Carpathia — the only ship to respond to Titanic’s distress calls.
Remarkably, Joughin emerged from the ordeal with only swollen feet.
He lived a long life after the disaster, passing away on Dec. 9, 1956, at the age of 78 following a bout of pneumonia. He was buried alongside his wife at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Paterson, New Jersey.
Joughin was later portrayed in James Cameron’s 1997 film Titanic, played by actor Liam Tuohy. In the film, he is seen tossing deck chairs overboard, helping passengers and clinging to the stern’s railing beside the characters Jack and Rose during the ship’s final moments.
