The orders was given to uncover the lifeboats and get passengers and crew ready on deck There was only room in the lifeboats for half the estimated 2,227 on board.
The lifeboats began boarding children first. The Carpathia Southeast of the Titanic by about 58 miles, picked up the distress call and began sailing to rescue passengers.
The first lifeboat was safely lowered away. Although it could carry 65 people, it left with only 28 on board. The first distress rocket was fired the whole night.