Major Disaster Inspired Biggest Hollywood Blockbuster Ever

CLEVELAND - It took place during the early 20th century, during a time in world history where everything seemed to be in its developmental stages. The RMS Titanic, an enormous and opulent passenger steamship, met with a horrible fate during its maiden voyage 97 years ago today.

As we all know, the celebrated ship sank a day later after hitting a large iceberg.

The colossal scope of the tragedy resulted in the deaths of over 1,500 people, partially due to the insufficient amount of lifeboats aboard the vessel. It left from Southampton, England bound for New York City off the Eastern coast of the U.S., but nearly three hours after that fateful collision, it struck the formidable iceberg that ultimately sent the liner to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

Wow.

Of course, most people nowadays know of the historic tragedy because of the mega-popular 1997 film, Titanic which has grossed more than $600 million USD (and more than $1.2 billion worldwide) in the dozen years since its release. That film, directed by James Cameron and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet was a stunning and rousing success right out the gate and served as a de facto documentary about the long ago disaster.

It certainly sparked new interest in the event.

Though I greatly enjoyed the flick, I am saddened by the massive loss of life aboard that luxurious ship. It was probably an unavoidable moment, but it should still serve as a reminder to us all to place a premium on enjoying your life as it is. It can all be taken away at the drop of a hat.

Or the ominous rip of an iceberg.