The Cunard steamer Carpathia, 13,564 tons, ensured her place in maritime history when, just after midnight on 14 April 1912, she picked up the distress calls of the White Star liner Titanic which had struck an iceberg on her maiden voyage and was sinking some 60 miles away. Without hesitation, Captain Arthur Rostron turned the Carpathia around and raced towards the Titanic's position at top speed in an effort to reach her before she foundered. In the event Titianic sank at 2.20 am. on 15 April and Carpathia did not reach the scene until almost two hours later; nevertheless, she was able to pick up the 703 survivors and take them into New York. She arrived there on 18 April by which time she had become the most famous ship in the world, with her captain and crew the heroes of the hour.