Looking into Dundee’s infamous link to the sinking of the RMS Titanic

When the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and sank on the evening of April 14, 1912, and into the early hours of April 15, the world was stunned.

Over 1,500 lives were lost in what was at the time one of the most notable maritime disasters in history.

While much is recalled for its magnitude, tragedy, and lessons, few are aware that Dundee has a surprising and notorious link to the evening.

Two powerful ties link the city to the story of the Titanic - one shipbuilding, one human failure.

The SS Californian, so blamed for failing to react to Titanic's call for help, was built in Dundee by Caledon Shipbuilding & Engineering Company in 1901, the same year the RRS Discovery was built.

When the disaster happened, the Californian was moored just a few miles away from the doomed vessel.

While it had shut downthrough icing, its wireless operator had already gone off duty just before the distress messages were sent.

Despite reports of rockets having been spotted on the horizon, the ship never did respond in a timely fashion - an act which would become etched in nautical annals and shame its name.

Almost as chilling, though, is the story of David Blair, a naval officer from Broughty Ferry.

Originally set to be second officer on Titanic's maiden voyage, Blair was removed from the roster just days prior to departure, to be replaced by another officer in a last-minute restructuring.

In his hasty exit, Blair inadvertently grabbed inhis hand the locker key in the crow's nest - the one containing the binoculars.

Without them, the lookouts had to rely on their naked eyes to scan the inky black Atlantic waters.

Others believe that if binoculars were present, the iceberg would have been spotted earlier and the crew might have had enough time to steer clear of the collision.

Although neither Blair nor the Californian was directly responsible for the disaster, Dundee's involvement with these critical facts has cast a haunting mark on the maritime history of the city.

It is a stark reminder of how small actions - either rash or negligent - can have long-term consequences throughout history with disastrous results.