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Titanic Survivor's Life Jacket Auctioned for Up to $475K

4/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A life jacket worn by Titanic survivor Laura Mabel Francatelli will be auctioned in the U.K. on April 18.
The jacket is estimated to fetch between $339,000 and $475,000.
Francatelli wore it while boarding Lifeboat No. 1 during the 1912 disaster.
The jacket is signed by Francatelli and seven other survivors and is the only Titanic life jacket offered at auction.

History

Historical Context

The RMS Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg during its maiden voyage, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,500 people. This disaster prompted widespread outrage over inadequate lifeboat provisions and led to significant changes in maritime safety regulations, including the establishment of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea in 1914, which still governs maritime safety today.

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Story summary

A life jacket worn by Titanic survivor Laura Mabel Francatelli will be auctioned in the U.K. on April 18.
The jacket is estimated to fetch between $339,000 and $475,000.
Francatelli wore it while boarding Lifeboat No. 1 during the 1912 disaster.
The jacket is signed by Francatelli and seven other survivors and is the only Titanic life jacket offered at auction.

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