Violet Jessop, nicknamed "Miss Unsinkable", was a stewardess and nurse who survived not one, but three major maritime disasters: the sinking of the Titanic, the sinking of the Britannic (which was converted into a hospital ship during World War I), and a collision involving the Olympic, Titanic's sister ship. Her survival story is remarkable because of her presence on all three of these ill-fated vessels.
Here's a more detailed look at her story:
The Olympic:
In 1911, while serving on the Olympic, a collision occurred with the HMS Hawke. While the damage was significant, both ships managed to limp back to port, and Violet survived.
The Titanic:
In 1912, she was a stewardess on the Titanic when it struck an iceberg and sank. She was ordered into a lifeboat and even given a baby to care for as the boat was lowered. She was among the 700 survivors rescued by the Carpathia.
The Britannic:
During World War I, she served as a nurse on the Britannic, which was operating as a hospital ship. In 1916, the Britannic struck a mine and sank in the Aegean Sea. Jessop had to jump from a lifeboat to avoid being sucked under by the ship's propellers. She sustained a head injury during the jump.
Resilience:
Despite these harrowing experiences, Jessop continued working at sea for many years, working for different shipping lines. She worked as a stewardess and nurse for 42 years, retiring in 1950. Her memoir, "Titanic Survivor," details her experiences.
Violet Jessop's story is a testament to her courage, resilience, and her unique place in maritime history. She earned the nickname "Miss Unsinkable" due to her remarkable survival of three major ship disasters.
Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.
