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What happened on April 15th?
One tragic night changed maritime safety forever
Matthew Jones
April 15, 2025
1912 Titanic Disaster Strikes the North Atlantic
On April 15th, 1912, the Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg just before midnight on April 14th, leading to the loss of over 1,500 lives. The disaster, one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in history, shocked the world and prompted significant changes in maritime safety regulations, including lifeboat requirements for all passengers and stricter navigation protocols in icy waters.
This 1912 painting by Willy Stöwer shows the Titanic sinking.
🗞️Today’s Headlines
Everything important that’s ever happened on April 15:
2019 — A fire broke out at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, during restoration work, severely damaging the cathedral’s roof and spire.
2013 — Two homemade bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing 3 and injuring hundreds.
2003 — US President George W. Bush declared that the government of Saddam Hussein had fallen after the Iraq War.
1955 — Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois.
1926 — Robertson Aircraft, later part of American Airlines, flew its first mail route between Chicago and St. Louis, with Charles A. Lindbergh as pilot.
1924 — The Rand McNally Auto Chum, an early navigation device, was released to the public.
🎂 Today’s Birthdays
On April 15, we’re singing to:
Leonardo da Vinci (1452) — Italian polymath renowned for masterpieces like Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, as well as his groundbreaking work in engineering and science.
Emma Thompson (1959) — British actress and writer celebrated for her acting and screenwriting, including Howards End, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress, and Sense and Sensibility, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay as well as a nomination for her acting.
Seth Rogen (1982) — Canadian actor, comedian, and screenwriter known for his roles in Pineapple Express and Superbad, and for producing and directing films such as The Interview.
Emma Watson (1990) — British actress famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series and as an advocate for women's rights as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.
🪦Who Died Today?
On April 15, we’re saying goodbye to:
Jean-Paul Sartre (1980) — French existentialist philosopher and author known for works such as Being and Nothingness and his influential views on freedom, responsibility, and the human condition.
Greta Garbo (1990) — Swedish-American actress, iconic for her roles in silent films and early talkies, including Camille and Grand Hotel, and for her elusive, mysterious persona.
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