In 1898, Morgan Robertson published his novella “Futility,” or also known as “The Wreck of the Titan” which eerily foreshadowed the tragic events of the Titanic disaster 14 years later. The novella depicts the story of a massive commercial cruise liner named Titan colliding with an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the sinking of the ship. Remarkably, when the Titanic sank in 1912, the similarities between the fictional Titan and the real-life Titanic were strikingly uncanny.

According to AP writer Michelle McQuigge, both ships shared remarkable similarities in terms of size and features. The Titanic, though slightly larger at 268 meters, was only 25 meters longer than the Titan, which measured 243 meters. Moreover, both vessels were capable of reaching maximum speeds of over 20 knots, and both carried a minimal number of lifeboats, far below what would have been necessary to accommodate the thousands of passengers on board.

Despite being hailed as “unsinkable,” both ships tragically met their demise after striking icebergs in mid-April. The parallels between the fictional depiction in “Futility” and the real-life events of the Titanic disaster have led many to speculate about the nature of coincidence and the possibility of premonition.

The uncanny similarities between the Titan and the Titanic raise intriguing questions about the role of literature in predicting or reflecting real-world events. Morgan Robertson’s novella serves as a haunting reminder of the unpredictability of life and the power of storytelling to capture the imagination and evoke profound emotions.

Furthermore, the Titanic disaster serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of human hubris and the fallibility of even the most technologically advanced creations. Despite their grandeur and perceived invincibility, both the Titan and the Titanic ultimately succumbed to the forces of nature, highlighting the need for humility and caution in the face of unknown dangers.

In conclusion, the publication of “Futility” by Morgan Robertson in 1898, and the subsequent sinking of the Titanic in 1912, offer a fascinating glimpse into the interconnectedness of literature and history. While the similarities between the fictional Titan and the real-life Titanic are striking, they also serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human life and the enduring power of storytelling to capture the human experience in all its complexity.