AT THE WHEEL WHEN THE SHIP STRUCK

The quartermaster at the wheel when the ship struck the iceberg was Mr. Robert Hichens, believed to be a native of Newlyn, who is one of the survivors. Interviewed on landing Mr. Hichens said when the collision occurred Capt. Smith ordered the emergency door to be closed. He then sent for the carpenter to sound the ship, but the carpenter had been killed when the ship struck. Mr. Hichens says he left the wheel about 12.30. He was then ordered to take charge of a lifeboat, in which there were 32 ladies and one other sailor. The boat was about 400 yards from the Titanic when she went down.